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Jawbreaker Accelerator |
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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:
Variables to Investigate:
- Cameras: video or digital
Computer/calculator interfaces
- Sensors: force & photogates
Safety:
- Velocity of colliding particles (pressure of gas)
- Fixed-target or colliding particles
Problems—Limits to analogy:
- A clear plastic box encloses all (except for holes for tubes and sensors).
- Safety goggles for everyone
- Instructions by fire marshall or safety officer
- 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 More Details: RESOURCES AND CONTACTS
A sketch and more detailsSee the Southern Methodist University QuarkNet pages for photos and more information.
Contacts:
Darren Carollo had the original idea. His students and the SMU QuarkNet teachers have constructed several "linacs."
