Cyclotron

Definition

A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator that uses perpendicular electric and magnetic fields to accelerate charged particles in a spiral path. It is commonly used in physics research and medical applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cyclotrons use a combination of electric fields to accelerate particles and magnetic fields to bend their paths into a circular trajectory.
2. The frequency of the oscillating electric field must match the cyclotron resonance condition for efficient acceleration.
3. The kinetic energy of the particles increases with each pass through the accelerating region, leading to higher speeds and energies.
4. Dee-shaped electrodes, called 'dees', are used within the cyclotron to create regions of accelerating electric field.
5. Cyclotrons have limitations on the maximum energy they can impart due to relativistic effects, which cause particles' mass to increase at high velocities.

Review Questions

• What are the roles of electric and magnetic fields in a cyclotron?
• Why is it necessary for the oscillating electric field's frequency to match the cyclotron resonance condition?
• What are 'dees' in a cyclotron?

Related terms

Magnetic Field:

A vector field that exerts force on moving charges, causing them to move in circular or helical paths.

Particle Accelerator:

A machine that accelerates charged particles to high speeds using electromagnetic fields.

Lorentz Force:

The force experienced by a charged particle moving through an electric and magnetic field, given by $\mathbf{F} = q(\mathbf{E} + \mathbf{v} \times \mathbf{B})$.