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

5356 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why do all objects fall at the same rate in a vacuum, independent of mass?


A light wave with wavelength 590nm shines upon a metal and causes it to emit an electron with a speed of 5x10^5 m/s. What is the work function of the metal?


Explain why an object moving around a circle is said to be accelerating when it has no resultant force acting upon it.


Describe the photoelectric effect and what it tells us about the properties of light .


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