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Cyclotrons are used to make radioactive isotopes for medical purposes - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 4
Cyclotrons are used to make radioactive isotopes for medical purposes. Charged particles move in a circular path. (i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Cyclotrons are used to make radioactive isotopes for medical purposes - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
State what causes the charged particles to increase their speed as they go around the cyclotron.
Answer
As charged particles move through the cyclotron, they are subjected to a magnetic field which acts perpendicularly to their velocity. This causes the particles to undergo circular motion while they continuously gain energy from an alternating electric field. This electric field accelerates the particles each time they pass through the gap between the dees, thus increasing their speed.
Step 2
Describe how scientists use the charged particles from a cyclotron to produce radioactive isotopes.
Answer
Scientists utilize the charged particles produced in a cyclotron to bombard target materials, which can be stable isotopes. When these target materials are struck by the particles, nuclear reactions occur, leading to the transformation of stable isotopes into radioactive isotopes. These radioactive isotopes can then be extracted and used for medical imaging, treatment of various diseases, or for research purposes in medical and scientific applications.