Particle Clicker

Particle Clicker Overview

Particle Clicker is an incremental game that not only entertains but also educates players about the fascinating world of high-energy particle physics. Developed by CERN, the game immerses players in the history and mechanics behind particle detection, offering a unique learning experience.

In Particle Clicker, players unlock achievements as they progress, simulating the discovery and study of particles through virtual particle detectors. But what exactly are particle detectors, and how do they work? Let's break it down:

What Are Particle Detectors?

Particle detectors are specialized devices used by physicists to study high-energy particles. These detectors "photograph" the interactions and decays of particles, revealing essential data about their behavior. At large facilities like CERN, these detectors include several advanced components designed to capture specific particles and measure their properties.

Key Components of a Particle Detector

• Tracker: The tracker calculates the momentum of charged particles. Bending the trajectory of particles in a magnetic field determines their momentum and helps distinguish between positive and negative particles based on the direction of their tracks.

• Electromagnetic Calorimeter (ECAL): ECAL measures the energy of electrons and photons, helping scientists understand these elementary particles' behavior.

• Hadronic Calorimeter (HCAL): This component measures the energy of hadrons, such as protons and neutrons, which are made of quarks and gluons. It indirectly detects neutrinos by observing missing energy in the detector.

• Magnet: A powerful magnetic field is essential in bending the paths of particles with high momentum. The magnet helps distinguish between positively and negatively charged particles, bending them in opposite directions.

• Muon Chamber: Muons, which are heavy relatives of electrons, are detected in the muon chamber. These particles can travel through several meters of iron, so the chamber is placed at the outer edges of the detector to register them effectively.

Can You Unlock All Achievements?

As you advance through Particle Clicker, you'll learn more about these components and how they help scientists in their quest to understand the universe. The game challenges players to unlock all the achievements, which require you to master different aspects of particle physics and detector technology.