Large Hadron Collider aka Doomsday Test?

Question

what do you think about the test that scientists are going to do involving atoms and particles being forced into each other to create the conditions of the big bang?

they obviously dont know what will happen when they do this but they reckon there is a small chance that black holes will be created and the earth wil be swallowed up etc etc

do you think they should go through with this test as they dont have any idea of the outcome?

or should they just do it because of the fact they wont know until they try?

this test is meant to take place on the 9th/10th of september in the LHC where the main rings size is 17 miles long (where the atoms will be fired down at extremely high speeds)

thanks

Answer 1

If -- and that is a really big IF -- a black hole is formed, it will be about the size of an atom.

The thing with black holes is, they have to be BIG to do any damage.  In fact, small black holes "evaporate", leaving only Hawking Radiation.  The smaller they are, the faster they evaporate.  

So the black holes that the Hadron Collider MIGHT make will evaporate in less than a second.  The scientists won't even be able to see the black hole IF they make one -- they'll only be able to measure the Hawking Radiation it leaves behind.

The black holes will be too small and to short lived to do any damage.

Answer 2

yes. even in the event of a black hole it will quickly collapse and be harmless (for details see my other answers in these subjects). the outcome is controlled, we will all live for another day. the test however does not take place on the 10th september. this is the date the machine is turned on NOT collision date that will be 21st october. don't be afraid.

Answer 3

Good question

They had the same concerns when they set off the first atomic bomb. Some thought it might ignite the atmosphere and flame broil the planet.

We (humans) have been building and operating cyclotrons/colliders for decades - this one is just the biggest most energetic one so far. This one won't answer ALL the questions either (probably raise more) so if it doesn't vaporize our planet, solar system  .... galaxy .... we will eventually build a bigger one. We call that progress.

Anyway if it does happen it will be painless - one second we will be here - gone the next. Who knows we might even emerge in another dimension (antimatter?).

So live well in the next few days my friend. Isn't science wonderful LOL

Answer 4

The standard model of particle physics does not predict the creation of Mini-Black Holes, obviously physics beyond the standard model could allow for this but there is no reason to suggest mini-black holes will be created.

I definitely think the experiment should go ahead, we only get to do experiments that could further human knowledge and understanding once a century if were lucky, the knowledge we could gain from this is immense and would have profound ramifications not just in the scientific community but for society in general.

Of course the scientists don't know for certain what will happen (certainty is a luxury science does without)  but I trust they can make an educated and informed "guess" for lack of a better word about what will happen.