Schematic view of the Cherenkov effect
Windows to the Universe original image
The Cherenkov Effect
The theory of relativity states that no particle can travel at
the speed of light in
a vacuum. However, light travels at lower speeds in
dense media, like water. A particle traveling in water must have a speed less
than the speed of light in a vacuum, but it is possible for it to
move faster than the speed of light in water.
If the particle is charged, it will emit radiation (light). This process
is similar to the sonic boom heard when an airplane exceeds the
speed of sound. Neutrino interactions with water can produce
such particles. Sensitive light detectors measure this
Cherenkov radiation in Neutrino experiments.
This material is considered too complex to be written about at an intermediate or beginner level, so all levels appear in the advanced form.
You might also be interested in:

On March 29, 2006 a total solar eclipse was visible from parts of Africa. Scientists from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana webcast live video coverage of this event. Windows to the Universe was a
...more
All of the matter and energy in the Universe was initially found in a very small space. An explosion happened which caused the Universe to begin expanding.
...more
The neutrino is an extremely light particle. (You definitely couldn't weigh one on your bathroom scale!) It also has no electric charge. Fusion reactions in the Sun produce neutrinos. By detecting these
...more
By knowing about fusion inside the Sun, scientists can predict the number of neutrinos that should reach Earth. Experiments on Earth have been set up to detect neutrinos in order to test these predictions.
...more
When the temperature in the core of a star is really hot (100 million degrees Kelvin!) fusion of Helium into Carbon happens. Oxygen is also formed when the temperature is this high. When it gets even hotter
...more
A plot of the binding energy per nucleon vs. atomic mass shows a peak atomic number 56 (Iron). Elements with atomic mass less then 56 release energy if formed as a result of a fusion reaction. Above this
...more
Nuclear fusion has been achieved in a controlled manner (that means no bombs are involved!!). Right now, these fusion experiments take in more energy than they produce. So they can't be used right now
...more