Chapter 10: Nuclear Chemistry
What is a particle accelerator?
 A device where charged particles can be accelerated to
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speeds close to the speed of light
These charged particles are guided toward a target
where they collide with atomic nuclei
Particle accelerators have produced over 3000
isotopes!
That is how quarks were discovered
Quark – a subatomic particle that is theorized to be a
basic unit of matter! Protons and neutrons are
believed to be made of quarks.
Large Hadron Collider (LHC)
Large Hadron Collider
 The LHC is the largest particle accelerator on Earth.
 Allows physicists to test for different subatomic
particles that make up our universe
 Goal of LHC: To create conditions similar to the Big
Bang so we can understand more in detail of what
happened, and how our universe came to be.
Could the LHC help us?
Some scientists believe that experiments with the Large
Hadron Collider can help us answer questions such as:
 Are there undiscovered principles of nature?
 What is the origin of mass?
 Do extra dimensions exist?
 What is dark matter?
 How did the universe come to be?
Possible Drawbacks of LHC
 Cost- The project has a nine BILLION dollar budget,
making it the most expensive scientific experiment in
human history
 When the project started, some people believed that
the LHC could create a doomsday phenomena.
 Operational difficulties
 Operational accidents
Many feared that the device could create a black hole and end
the Universe!!
Video
 Use the back of your notes to take notes on the CERN
video.
What do you think?
 After exploring the possible benefits and drawbacks of
the Particle Collider, do you think it is beneficial to
conduct experiments using the LHC? As you decide
think about the following items:
- Scientific knowledge can be gained
- Pros vs. Cons
- The unanswered questions the scientific community
has
Particle Accelerator Essay
 You will be writing a three paragraph essay discussing
what your thoughts on particle accelerators
(specifically the LHC) are.
 Your essay should provide FACTS and evidence to
support your opinion. You can use your notes, and
information from the video.
 Make sure you are following the rubric to ensure you
have all the parts that are necessary for your essay!