The focal point of this paper is to prepare a report on the article published in the Scientific American magazine, February 2008 Issue named Special Report: The Future of Physics. The article is based on the functions and experiment of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) that is being carried out in Switzerland near Geneva.
The LHC is referred to as the largest microscope of the world by the author as this machine is used in the experiment of sub particles. This experiment was eagerly waited by physicists because this experiment is supposed to reveal the secrets of several hypothetical particles like Higgs particle that are yet to be understood and analyzed to any extent. With a trillion volt of electric spark and a nano measurement quantum, this experiment promises to reveal the deep secrets of the universe. The author is excited about the experiment and provides a thorough understanding of the subject without the use of equations that makes the understanding of the activities easier for the general population.
However, the author indicates that there are several mechanical difficulties in this process of experiment and discusses the reasons of the experiment being postponed. The author looks into the parameters of physics and reveals the problems associated with such precise yet huge machine. The writer interacted with the leader of this huge project, Lyn Evans, to find out the minute details related to the experiment and the delay associated with it. Lyn Evans told the writer that “For a machine of this complexity, things are going remarkably smoothly, and we’re all looking forward to doing physics with the LHC next summer.” (Special Report, p. 45).
This is the perfect example of a project of this magnitude and the attitude associated with such specified integrated mechanical and physical works. It is obvious that the prominent members associated with this project and the size of this project makes it a wonderful scientific research but at the same time it is true that such a venture needs very particular safety measures and it is no wonder that the project leader is ready to sacrifice time and concede delay in order to avoid any fault.
In a way, it should be stated that writer too, did a commendable job to convey the total work procedure of the experiment from start to the present day situation with effective details of the work in progress along with its difficulties and obstacles. This is a truly excellent work. The writer not only understands the subject very well but the understanding is sound enough to make the general mass understand the details with easy use of language and terminology with complete fluency of the narration about the development phases of the machine and experiment.
It can be stated that this article is a wonderful piece of text to understand the current events of physics and the lucidity of the text makes it enjoyable to read. It is informative and assertive at the same time as there are no point of negative thoughts even in the face of failure or slowing down or delay of the work in progress. The article is truly a piece of text that can popularize a difficult subject like particle physics and it is recommended for every enthusiast of the subject.
Works Cited
Special Report; The Future of Physics; Scientific American magazine, 2008 Issue, Pages 38-45