Why Do Humans Smash Protons?

At the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland, thousands of scientists are spending billions of dollars to smash protons together in a big underground tunnel. But… WHY?

When protons collide, we get a glimpse at what might have happened close to the start of our universe. That's because these collisions release an enormous amount of energy for how small protons are. But we know that energy and mass are related - so when these protons collide at incredibly fast speeds, that energy can turn into physical mass. Which is crazy! And even crazier: If the energy is high enough, it can turn into mysterious or unknown particles...

Scientists do this to try to understand some of the biggest questions, like “what is the universe made of?”, “where did it come from?” and “how did we get here?”.

If you want to learn more, check out our longer episode AT CERN! And if you like optimistic science and tech videos, subscribe for more of our show Huge If True.

#shorts #science #tech #stem #animation #cern #physics

[musicburst]

Einstein looks like he's held at gunpoint

[garys.]

Because they make a mess if you do it on the sidewalk.

[Dr.K.]

Cloe, this is absolutely the best explanation of particle detection. My brother teaches physics in high school and he said he'll use your explanation, because the students aren't getting his. Thank you for the wonderful content!! 😊🎉

[DrEggCake]

Can the very complex physics explain where my dad went?

[maxsmith]

So like working back to figure out he mystery particle is like me working backwards on what happened some nights when I was out

[tortugalot]

I’m always so impressed how you make what probably took you hours to research into an easy to understand short

[thewhitewolf]

The thing I respect about the universe is that it runs with almost fantasy logic but tells us that this is all science and it dares us to figure it out.

[daveconrad]

Wow! I knew most of the pieces of this, but you just put it all together to explain particle physics… in a short?!? 😳

[DodgeThis]

Wouldn't there be an assumption then that "before" the universe existed, something existed and that collided?

[blacklight]

real reason:man throw rocks, rock go boom, man throw rock better

[WoopyLoops]

"It's not all about the money Spiderman..."

[jesse]

It seems like every year a new channel starts back over at what videos that came out years ago covered. Thats good cause there is some kid out there who is at the age i was when i learned this who will be all the smarter for it. Keep up the great work in spreading knowledge 👍

[thatcipher]

Being a scientist is like participating in a never ending mystery game or an ARG but you have no gamemaster who confirms your theories when you're on the right track or guides you lol

[PuffPiastri]

Miss Cleo, who knows if you’ll ever see this, but I LOVE the fact you are so excited to find out and give us news of technology advancements. Keep it up, it’s so wholesome!

[Mortified_PR]

"When a mommy and daddy proton love very much, "

[olivierdulac]

That is a masterful explanation! You explained in enough details and with amazing visuals, to fit perfectly in a short without feeling rushed. Highly appreciated. Subbed.

[IDHMT]

that one non-employed friend on a tuesday at 3pm

[atlasflatt]

soon enough we're getting the gtnh stargate

[pawarasiriwardhane]

This is the simplest and best explanation I've ever heard on hadron collider and it's use. Thanks a lot Cloe.

[aaronc]

Anyone else remember when there was borderline hysteria over the LHC creating a black hole that would suck up the earth? 😅