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

5542 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

An ice cube with a small iron ball in its centre is placed in a cup of water. 3.9 x 10-3kg of water in the cup is displaced and the volume of the ice cube is 4.0 x 10-6m3. Ice density: 1000 kg m-3 Iron density: 7800 kg m-3, what is the volume of the iron?


A stone is thrown horizontally at 5m/s from a platform 10m above ground. Find time till impact with ground.


A diver of mass 60kg stands on the end of a diving board of length 2m from the pivot point. Calculate the upward force exerted on the retaining spring 30cm from the pivot point.


A small ball is projected with speed 15 m/s at an angle of 60 degrees above the horizontal. Find the distance from the point of projection of the ball at the instant when it is travelling horizontally.


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