Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Steve Nerlich on 27/03/2011 02:30:03

Title: Why is the Large Hadron Collider so called?
Post by: Steve Nerlich on 27/03/2011 02:30:03

Steve Nerlich  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi Folks,

Is the Large Hadron Collider so named because it's:

a) A very big collider of hadrons; or
b) A collider of very big hadrons?

Thanks!

Steve

What do you think?

Title: Why is the Large Hadron Collider so called?
Post by: Soul Surfer on 27/03/2011 13:07:13

In some ways both!  Because it can collide both protons which are simplest stable hadrons and lead nucleii which are the largest and heaviest stable hadrons.  So a question that starts out as a play on words turns out to be fully accurate!   [;D]