A linear accelerator, or linac, is a device that uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged particles, such as electrons or protons, along a straight path. These particles gain energy as they travel through a series of oscillating electric fields, allowing them to reach high speeds. Linear accelerators are commonly used in medical applications, particularly in radiation therapy for cancer treatment, where they target tumors with precise doses of radiation. In addition to medical uses, linear accelerators are also employed in scientific research, such as in particle physics experiments. They help scientists study the fundamental properties of matter by colliding particles at high energies, enabling the discovery of new particles and insights into the universe's structure.