The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Collider tests

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Saturday, Sep 13, 2008
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Collider tests

The world’s largest particle collider tests perhaps constitute the biggest experiment in the history of physics. The successful firing of two beams of protons in opposite directions has put an end to the tensions and fears leading up to the event.

K. Srikanth,

Visakhapatnam

* * *

That Indian physicists Sudhir Raniwala and Rashmi were part of the team of Indian scientists to develop one of the Photon Multiplicity Detectors is significant. What is more historically important is that the ‘boson’ in the elusive particle Higgs boson is named after Indian scientist S.N. Bose.

M.R. Iyer,

Mumbai

* * *

The CERN experiment to study the formation of the universe and related matters is a breathtaking effort by scientists. It is a matter of great pride for us that a contingent of scientists from India is associated with the team.

T.R. Anandan,

Coimbatore

* * *

One wonders whether the experiment is necessary at all. Why should we know how the universe was created? In what way will the information serve the cause of humanity? Using so many scientists and material on the experiment is a waste. The money spent on it can be used to alleviate the poverty of fellow human beings.

S. Ramachandran,

Chennai

* * *

The particle collider test may end in a whimper. The $8 billion spent on the LHC could have been used on feeding or sheltering the people in poor countries.

S. Sundaresh,

Bangalore

* * *

The universe is believed to have been created from singularity, suddenly within minutes, billions of years ago. Actually the space time continuum as the universe is designated arose from vacuum or pure nothing. The singularity was supposed to be millions of times smaller than a proton. The creation started with the making of the four forces of the universe — gravitational force, electro-magnetic force, the strong force and the weak force.

The scientists at CERN are colliding protons to re-enact the Big Bang on a small scale. If the experiment succeeds gravitational force must be created. Where is the guarantee that it will not result in the creation of a black hole? Are we not tinkering with nature?

Y. Markendeyulu,

Hyderabad

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