Particle accelerator

A particle accelerator uses pulsed electromagnets to propel charged particles to great speeds with no friction. Everyday applications are found in TV sets and computer monitors.

There are two basic types:

• Linear: The accelerated particles move in a straight line, with the target at the end of the track.
• Circular: The accelerated particles move in a circle until they collide with a target.

The first particle accelerator was of the circular type, and was invented in 1929 by Ernest O. Lawrence[?]. The size of the first accelerator was a mere 4 inches in diameter.