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.

Answered by Gareth R. Physics tutor

3953 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Do the SUVAT equations work for acceleration that changes with time?


What is the maximum length a bungee rope with a spring constant of 100 Nm−1 can be for an 80kg man to be able to jump from 100m above a river without touching the water?


Two balls with the same kinetic energy have mass of ball a = m and ball b = 2m. What is the ratio of their momentums: a/b?


What is an electron volt?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences