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Big Bang Day: Five Particles

Big Bang Day: Five Particles: Episode 3: The Antiparticle

Episode 3

Episode 3: The Antiparticle

The Antiparticle

BBC Radio 4 - Big Bang Day: Five Particles, The Antiparticle

Every particle has an antiparticle. Should the two combine, the result is annihilation.

Simon Singh examines the significance of subatomic particles. Every elementary particle has an antiparticle. Should the two meet and combine, the result is annihilation.

Simon Singh looks at the stories behind the discovery of five of the universe's most significant subatomic particles. 3) The Antiparticle.

It appears to be the stuff of science fiction. Associated with every elementary particle is an antiparticle which has the same mass and opposite charge. Should the two meet and combine, the result is annihilation - and a flash of light. Thanks to mysterious processes that occurred after the Big Bang there are a vastly greater number of particles than anti-particles. So how could their elusive existence be proved? At CERN particle physicists are crashing together subatomic particles at incredibly high speeds to create antimatter, which they hope will finally reveal what happened at the precise moment of the Big Bang to create the repertoire of elementary particles and antiparticles in existence today. 
Producer: Adrian Washbourne.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Factual: Science & Nature

Simon Singh examines the significance of subatomic particles

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Big Bang Day: Five Particles

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