Particle accelerator

A Particle accelerator (pronunciation: /ˈpɑːrtɪkl ˌæksɪˈlɛreɪtər/) is a type of device that uses electromagnetic fields to propel charged particles to high speeds and to contain them in well-defined beams.

Etymology

The term "particle accelerator" originates from the English words "particle" and "accelerator". The word "particle" comes from the Latin "particula", meaning a small part, while "accelerator" is derived from the Latin "accelerare", meaning to hasten or speed up.

Description

A particle accelerator is used in various fields such as physics, medicine, and engineering. In physics, it is used to study the fundamental particles and forces of the universe. In medicine, it is used in radiation therapy for cancer treatment. In engineering, it is used in the production of a wide range of products, from semiconductors to shrink wrap.

Types of Particle Accelerators

There are two basic types of particle accelerators: linear accelerators (linac) and circular accelerators (cyclotron and synchrotron). Linacs accelerate particles along a straight path, while cyclotrons and synchrotrons accelerate particles in a circular path.

Related Terms

Physics: The natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts such as energy and force.
Medicine: The science and practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Engineering: The application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes, and systems.
Linac: A type of particle accelerator that accelerates charged particles along a linear path.
Cyclotron: A type of particle accelerator in which charged particles accelerate outwards from the center along a spiral path.
Synchrotron: A particular type of cyclic particle accelerator in which the magnetic field (and sometimes electric) is synchronised with the travelling particle beam.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Particle accelerator
Wikipedia's article - Particle accelerator

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Particle accelerator