Here's how it works:

* Particle accelerators use electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged particles (like protons or electrons) to very high speeds and energies.

* These high-energy particles are then directed towards a target, which can be a nucleus.

* The collision between the accelerated particle and the target nucleus can cause the nucleus to break apart, a process called nuclear fission.

There are different types of particle accelerators, each with its own purpose:

* Linear accelerators (LINACs): Accelerate particles in a straight line.

* Cyclotrons: Accelerate particles in a spiral path.

* Synchrotrons: Accelerate particles in a circular path, with the magnetic field increasing as the particles gain energy.

Particle accelerators are used for various purposes in science, including:

* Fundamental physics research: Studying the fundamental building blocks of matter and the forces that govern them.

* Medical applications: Producing isotopes for medical imaging and cancer treatment.

* Materials science: Modifying materials and creating new materials with specific properties.

So, while the term "atom smasher" is sometimes used informally, the scientific term is particle accelerator.