Question

What is the purpose of a cyclotron, a device used by physicists?

Answer 1

A cyclotron is a device used by physicists to accelerate charged particles to large kinetic energies. It is used for nuclear-collision experiments to produce radioactive isotopes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Purpose of a Cyclotron:

A cyclotron is a device used by physicists to accelerate charged particles to large kinetic energies. It is used for nuclear-collision experiments to produce radioactive isotopes.

How a Cyclotron Works:

1. The cyclotron consists of two flat, semi-cylindrical metallic containers called dees, enclosed in a larger metal container.
2. Between the dees, a high-frequency voltage source provides an alternating electric field to accelerate the particles.
3. The cyclotron is placed between the poles of an electromagnet, which provides a uniform magnetic field.
4. The charged particles move in a circular path between the dees, gaining energy with each loop.

Example:

To illustrate, imagine a proton being injected into the center of the cyclotron. As the proton oscillates between the dees, it gains energy from the alternating electric field and follows a larger radius orbit in the magnetic field. This process repeats, and the proton's kinetic energy steadily increases.

Answer 2

A cyclotron is a device used by physicists to accelerate charged particles to large kinetic energies. It is used for nuclear-collision experiments to produce radioactive isotopes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Purpose of a Cyclotron:

A cyclotron is a device used by physicists to accelerate charged particles to large kinetic energies. It is used for nuclear-collision experiments to produce radioactive isotopes.

How a Cyclotron Works:

1. The cyclotron consists of two flat, semi-cylindrical metallic containers called dees, enclosed in a larger metal container.
2. Between the dees, a high-frequency voltage source provides an alternating electric field to accelerate the particles.
3. The cyclotron is placed between the poles of an electromagnet, which provides a uniform magnetic field.
4. The charged particles move in a circular path between the dees, gaining energy with each loop.

Example:

To illustrate, imagine a proton being injected into the center of the cyclotron. As the proton oscillates between the dees, it gains energy from the alternating electric field and follows a larger radius orbit in the magnetic field. This process repeats, and the proton's kinetic energy steadily increases.