ion colliders

Ion colliders are powerful machines used by scientists to study the fundamental particles that make up matter. They accelerate ions—atoms stripped of their electrons—to extremely high speeds close to the speed of light. When these ions collide, they produce conditions similar to those just after the Big Bang, allowing researchers to observe and understand particle interactions and the properties of fundamental forces. This helps reveal insights about the universe's origins, the nature of matter, and the fundamental laws of physics. In essence, ion colliders are tools for exploring the building blocks of everything around us.