By referencing the magnetic field and the alternating potential difference explain how a cyclotron produces a beam of high speed particles.

The difference in potential between the two Ds of a cyclotron accelerate the particles across the gap. The direction of potential difference switches every half cycle to keep the particles accelerating. The magnetic field is a right angles to the path of the particles so keeps them in a circular motion within the Ds. As the particles gain energy and become faster the path radius increases until they are released as a beam when the energy is high enough.

GR
Answered by Gareth R. Physics tutor

5510 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain quantitatively how an object can follow circular motion whilst on a ramp with no friction in the radial direction.


State and derive Kepler's third law


Explain how and why the diffraction pattern of electrons passing through a slit depends on their momentum.


How do I derive Kepler's 3rd law using Newton's Law of gravitation, in the case of a circular orbit?


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