Explain the working of a cyclotron and give its uses.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) The figure shows a schematic view of the cyclotron.
Inside the metal boxes (dees),the particle is shielded and is not acted upon by the electric field. The electric field prevails only in the gap between the two dees.
The magnetic field acts on the particle and forces it to move in a circular path inside the dee.
Every time the particle moves from one dee to another,it is accelerated by the electric field.
The polarity of the electric field is reversed in synchronization with the circular motion of the particle.
This ensures that the particle is always accelerated by the electric field. Each acceleration increases the kinetic energy of the particle. As energy increases,the radius of the circular path increases,resulting in a spiral path.
Charged particles (e.g.,protons) move in a semicircular path in one of the dees and arrive in the gap between the dees in a time interval of $\frac{T}{2}$,where $T$ is the time period of revolution.
$T = \frac{1}{v_{c}} = \frac{2 \pi m}{q B}$ or $v_{c} = \frac{q B}{2 \pi m} \quad \dots (1)$
This frequency is called the cyclotron frequency and is denoted by $v_{c}$. It is independent of the speed,momentum,and kinetic energy of the particle.
The uses of a cyclotron are as follows:
$(1)$ The high-energy particles produced in a cyclotron are used to bombard nuclei to study nuclear reactions and investigate nuclear structure.
$(2)$ It is used to implant ions into solids to modify their properties or to synthesize new materials.
$(3)$ It is used to produce radioactive isotopes,which are utilized in hospitals for medical diagnosis and treatment.

Explore More

Similar Questions

For which purpose is the device of cyclotron used?

An alternating electric field of frequency $f$ is applied across the radius $R$ of a cyclotron to accelerate protons (mass $m$). The operating magnetic field $B$ used and kinetic energy $(K.E.)$ of the proton beam produced by it are respectively ($e=$ charge on proton).

$A$ charged particle is subjected to acceleration in a cyclotron as shown. The charged particle undergoes an increase in its speed:

What is a cyclotron? Discuss the principle of a cyclotron.

$A$ cyclotron's oscillator frequency is $10 \; MHz$. What should be the operating magnetic field for accelerating protons? If the radius of its 'dees' is $60 \; cm$,what is the kinetic energy (in $MeV$) of the proton beam produced by the accelerator? $(e = 1.60 \times 10^{-19} \; C, m_p = 1.67 \times 10^{-27} \; kg, 1 \; MeV = 1.6 \times 10^{-13} \; J)$

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo