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6 (a) A cyclotron accelerates charged particles - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2014 - Paper 1
Question 6
6 (a) A cyclotron accelerates charged particles. (i) Describe the shape of the path a charged particle takes in the cyclotron. (ii) Explain how radioactive isotope... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:6 (a) A cyclotron accelerates charged particles - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2014 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the shape of the path a charged particle takes in the cyclotron.
Answer
The path of a charged particle in a cyclotron is circular or spiral in shape. As the particle is accelerated by the electric field, it moves in a circular trajectory due to the magnetic field acting on it. The radius of the circle increases as the particle gains energy, resulting in a spiral path.
Step 2
Explain how radioactive isotopes can be produced using cyclotrons.
Answer
Radioactive isotopes can be produced in cyclotrons by bombarding stable target nuclei with fast-moving protons. When these protons collide with the target nuclei, they can be absorbed, leading to the formation of unstable nuclei. These unstable nuclei subsequently decay and emit radiation, effectively creating radioactive isotopes.
Step 3
Step 4
State why momentum has the unit kg.m/s.
Answer
Momentum is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. The SI unit of mass is kilograms (kg), and the SI unit of velocity is meters per second (m/s). Therefore, the unit of momentum is derived as kg multiplied by m/s, resulting in kg.m/s.