A particle accelerator is a device that accelerates charged particles, such as protons or electrons, to extremely high speeds close to the speed of light. They work by using electric fields to give the particles energy and magnetic fields to control their trajectory. With particle accelerators, scientists can study the fundamental properties of matter and the universe, from discovering new particles like the Higgs boson to understanding the origins of the universe and exploring new materials and medical treatments. One example of an application is in cancer treatment, where particle accelerators can be used for proton therapy to precisely target tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
