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

5108 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

how do i convert from a sine angle to a cosine angle?


Use the kinetic theory of gases to explain why the pressure inside a container increases when the temperature of the air inside it rises. Assume that the volume of the container remains constant.


What happens to ice when energy is supplied at a constant rate in terms of the changes in energy of the molecules?


Explain, in terms of the behaviour of molecules, how a gas exerts a pressure on the walls of its container. (4)


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