CERN to upgrade Large Hadron Collider to increase collision rates 10 times
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims·
High-energy physics and the study of Dark Matter: a relevant GS3 Science & Technology topic.
Why in news
CERN is upgrading the Large Hadron Collider to the High Luminosity LHC to increase collision rates tenfold to study Dark Matter and Dark Energy.
Background
The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is located in a 27-kilometre circumference tunnel straddling the Swiss-French border. The upgrade aims to investigate Dark Matter and Dark Energy, which constitute approximately 95 per cent of the Universe.
Facts for Prelims
- S&THigh Luminosity LHC: An upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider to increase collision rates by 10 times.
- PlaceCERN (European Centre for Nuclear Research): Located in Geneva, straddling the Swiss-French border.
- FactDark Matter and Dark Energy account for approximately 95 per cent of the Universe.
- S&THiggs Boson: Discovered in 2012, it completed the Standard Model of particle physics.
Prelims practice question
What percentage of the Universe is estimated to be composed of Dark Matter and Dark Energy?
- (a)10 per cent
- (b)75 per cent
- (c)95 per cent
- (d)50 per cent
Show answer
Answer: (c) 95 per cent — The note states that Dark Matter and Dark Energy constitute approximately 95 per cent of the Universe.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of high-energy particle physics in understanding the fundamental composition of the universe beyond the Standard Model.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Theoretical limitations: Current Standard Model's inability to account for the 95% composition of Dark Matter and Dark Energy.
- Technological requirements: Necessity of multi-billion dollar international collaborations and high-precision acceleration for subatomic research.
Keywords: High Luminosity LHC · Dark Matter · Dark Energy · Standard Model · Particle Physics · CERN
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.