Jawbreaker Accelerator

The photo on the previous page shows a single accelerator tube, used for fixed target experiments. Notice that the photo below shows two accelerator tubes for colliding particles. Also shown are two photogates (U-shaped objects) used to measure the speed of the jawbreakers before the collision.

Accelerated Particles: Jawbreakers or other candy

Accelerating Propellent: CO₂ or pressurized air

Detectors:

• Cameras: video or digital
  Computer/calculator interfaces
  
• Sensors: force & photogates

Variables to Investigate:

• Velocity of colliding particles (pressure of gas)
  
• Fixed-target or colliding particles

Safety:

• A clear plastic box encloses all (except for holes for tubes and sensors).
  
• Safety goggles for everyone
  
• Instructions by fire marshall or safety officer

Problems—Limits to analogy:

• Cannot create more massive particles than original.
  
• New kinds of particles are not created, just parts of the originals.
  
• Acceleration is a one-time event, not continuous.
  
• Acceleration is not by electric fields, but air pressure.
  
• Quantitative measurements may not be useful.

RATINGS Excellent Good Acceptable Marginal Yuk EASY CONSTRUCTION COST DRAMA QUANTITATIVE

RESOURCES AND CONTACTS More Details: A sketch and more details See the Southern Methodist University QuarkNet pages for photos and more information. News article Contacts: Darren Carollo had the original idea. His students and the SMU QuarkNet teachers have constructed several "linacs."

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