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Cyclotrons produce fast-moving charged particles - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 6
Cyclotrons produce fast-moving charged particles. (a) (i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer. A cyclotron makes protons mo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Cyclotrons produce fast-moving charged particles - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
(i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (✗) in the box next to your answer.
Answer
The correct answer is D: force towards the centre of the circle due to a magnetic field. In a cyclotron, magnetic fields are used to bend the path of the charged particles, causing them to spiral inward.
Step 2
(ii) State what is used to accelerate the protons across the gap in the cyclotron.
Answer
An alternating electric field is used to accelerate the protons across the gap in the cyclotron. This electric field provides the necessary energy boost for the protons each time they pass through the gap.
Step 3
(iii) Suggest why a neutron cannot be accelerated in a cyclotron.
Answer
A neutron cannot be accelerated in a cyclotron because it is electrically neutral. Cyclotrons operate by utilizing the forces acting on charged particles, and since neutrons have no charge, they do not experience the magnetic or electric forces needed for acceleration.
Step 4
(iv) Describe how the fast-moving protons are used to produce radioactive nuclei.
Answer
Fast-moving protons produced in a cyclotron are directed towards a target material, which is often a stable isotope of an element. When these high-energy protons collide with the target nuclei, they can result in nuclear reactions that change the composition of the nucleus, leading to the formation of radioactive isotopes. This process is used in the production of radioisotopes for medical applications, such as cancer treatment and diagnostic imaging.