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

5557 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the mathematical relationship between the frequencies of musical notes that we perceive identical, but at different octaves?


Is the excitation and de-excitation of an electron from the ground state (of an atom) due to the collision of another particle (e.g. electron) an elastic collision or an inelastic collision.


State similarity and difference between the electric field lines and the gravitational field lines around an isolated positively charged metal sphere.


Explain the Doppler Shift Effect, and how it can be used to measure blood flow in the body.


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