n.a reference to a ring-shaped machine, called a particle accelerator, that takes tiny bits of matter, specifically atoms or the tiny particles that make up atoms, and causes them to travel around in a large circular path, continuously boosting their speed until they approach the speed of light. These particles are then directed at a stationary object or into another speeding particle, resulting in a destructive collision. Scientists study the fragments of these collisions, measure the energy they release, and use them for researchpurposes.