A charged particle in a cyclotron moves in a circle with radius 5mm. If the field in the cyclotron is 0.06 T and the velocity of the particle is 2.4x10^7, what is the charge-mass ratio of the particle?

Firstly, we should equate the centripetal force to the force on a moving charge using equations from our formula booklet: (force on a moving charge): F = Bqv(centripetal force): F = mv2/rmv2/r = Bqvwhen we cancel the 'v's' we get:mv/r = Bqmultiply both sides by r to get: Bqr = mvdivide through by m and divide through by 'Br' to get: q/m = v/BrThis now gives us an equation for the charge mass ratio (q/m) as: v/BrNow, substitute in your given values for v (velocity), B (magnetic field strength) and r (radius), ensuring you use the correct index form. 2.4x10^7 / (0.06 x 5x10^-3) = 8x10^10 = q/m

PV
Answered by Preshayla V. Physics tutor

2409 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the life cycle of a star?


(A-level but box won't let me change it from GCSE) A particle of charge q and initial speed v is stopped by a potential difference V in distance d and time t. What was its initial momentum?


In the early 20th Century the plum pudding model of the atom was replaced by the nuclear model of the atom, explain why this happened.


What are the different ways that energy can be transferred?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning