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

5349 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

State Ohm's Law and the main characteristics of ohmic conductors, giving examples


An electron moving at 1000 m/s annihilates with a stationary positron. What is the frequency of the single photon produced?


If a vehicle A, 1000kg moving at 5m/s collides with vehicle B, 750kg, moving in the opposite direction at 8m/s assuming no rebound what is the velocity of the vehicles after collision.


An ideal gas within a closed system undergoes an isothermal expansion from an initial volume of 1m^3 to 2m^3. Given that the initial pressure of the gas is 10^5 Pa, find the final pressure of the gas following the expansion.


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