explain how a cyclotron produces a high energy electron

-cyclotron consists of 2 dees connected to an AC power supply. When an electron is released from a source in the centre of the cyclotron, it is initially attracted towards the positively charged dee, due to the electrostatic force of attraction - columbs law. This causes the electron to accelerate towards that dee-When the AC supply alternates, the positively charged dee becomes negatively charged and the electron is now repelled towards the opposite dee, which is now positvely charged. This process continues causing the velocity of the electron to increase overtime.Since there is a magnetic field perpendicular to the cyclotron, by Flemings left hand rule, this implies that the force acting on the electron is a centripetal force.Tthis causes the electrons to move in circular motion around the centre-in circular motion. F=mv^2 /r, since F is constant when v increases, r must also increase, so the electron spirals out from the centre of the cyclotron. This implies that the time each electron remains in the dee is constant.

TS
Answered by Toby S. Physics tutor

2668 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the maximum frequency photon of one of the photons produced when a electron and positron annihilate each other?


What is the maximum speed of an electron emitted from a metal surface with a threshold frequency of 5.706*10^(14) by light with a wavelength of 350nm?


What is the minimum frequency of electromagnetic radiation needed for a photon to ionise an atom of sodium? ( An atom of sodium has an ionisation energy of 5.15 eV.)


How do I find the half-life of radioactive isotope?


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