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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 mov... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Cyclotrons produce fast-moving charged particles - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
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. This is because a magnetic field exerts a centripetal force on the charged particles, keeping them in a circular path.
Step 2
Step 3
Suggest why a neutron cannot be accelerated in a cyclotron.
Answer
A neutron cannot be accelerated in a cyclotron because it is electrically neutral. Since the forces involved in a cyclotron rely on the charge of the particles, neutrons do not experience the necessary forces to be accelerated.
Step 4
Describe how the fast-moving protons are used to produce radioactive nuclei.
Answer
Fast-moving protons are directed towards target materials in order to produce radioactive nuclei. When protons collide with the nuclei of target atoms, they can induce reactions such as nuclear transmutation, resulting in the formation of new, often unstable, isotopes. These radioactive nuclei can be used in various applications, including medical imaging and treatment.