Scientists continue to explore and build particle accelerators to study fundamental particles and the laws of physics for several reasons, even though we cannot surpass the speed of light. Here are a few key reasons:
Exploration of fundamental particles: Particle accelerators allow scientists to investigate the properties and behavior of subatomic particles. By colliding particles at high energies, they can probe the fundamental building blocks of matter, search for new particles, and understand their interactions. This helps in advancing our understanding of the universe at its most fundamental level.
Energy frontier: Particle accelerators enable researchers to reach higher energy regimes that were not accessible before. Higher energies can unveil new phenomena, reveal particles predicted by theoretical models, and potentially challenge or extend our existing theories. Accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN have been instrumental in discoveries like the Higgs boson, expanding our knowledge of particle physics.
Testing fundamental theories: Particle accelerators provide opportunities to test and refine our current theories, such as the Standard Model of particle physics. By subjecting particles to extreme conditions, scientists can verify the predictions of these theories and search for any deviations or new physics beyond our current understanding. This helps in refining and advancing our theoretical frameworks.
Understanding the early universe: By recreating high-energy conditions that existed shortly after the Big Bang, particle accelerators offer insights into the early universe. Scientists can study the behavior of matter and energy at extreme densities and temperatures, which helps us comprehend the fundamental processes that shaped the cosmos.
Technological advancements: The development of particle accelerators often leads to technological advancements that have applications beyond fundamental research. Accelerator technologies have contributed to advancements in medical imaging and therapy, materials science, industrial applications, and more.
It's worth noting that particle accelerators do not aim to accelerate particles to speeds exceeding the speed of light. Instead, they strive to achieve increasingly higher energies to explore the properties and interactions of particles within the bounds of known physical laws.
While surpassing the speed of light is not possible according to our current understanding, the study of particle physics and the pursuit of higher energies allow scientists to expand our knowledge, push the boundaries of existing theories, and potentially discover new phenomena that can deepen our understanding of the universe.