Astronomers and physicists at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) use protons for various experiments, such as those conducted at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), to probe the structure of matter and explore the fundamental forces and particles of the universe. There are several reasons why protons are chosen for these experiments:
Abundance and stability: Protons are one of the most common particles in the universe. They are stable particles found in the nuclei of atoms, including the atoms that make up matter on Earth. This abundance and stability make protons easily accessible for experimental purposes.
Electric charge: Protons carry a positive electric charge. This charge allows them to be accelerated and controlled using electric and magnetic fields, making them ideal for particle acceleration experiments.
Interactions: Protons interact strongly with other particles. When high-energy protons collide with each other or with other particles, they can produce a wide variety of subatomic particles and phenomena. By studying these interactions, scientists can gain insights into the fundamental nature of matter, the structure of the universe, and the behavior of particles under extreme conditions.
Energy reach: Protons can be accelerated to very high energies using particle accelerators like the LHC. The higher the energy of the colliding particles, the more energy is available for the creation of new particles and the exploration of fundamental physics.
Colliders and detectors: Proton-proton collisions in colliders like the LHC produce high-energy interactions that can be observed and measured using sophisticated detectors. These detectors capture and analyze the resulting particles and their properties, providing valuable data for understanding the fundamental forces and particles of nature.
It's important to note that while protons are commonly used, experiments with other particles, such as heavy ions, neutrinos, or electrons, are also conducted to explore specific phenomena and aspects of the universe. Different particles have unique properties and interactions, and scientists employ a range of particle types to investigate various aspects of the cosmos and the fundamental laws of physics.