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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
Step 2
State what is used to accelerate the protons across the gap in the cyclotron.
Answer
The protons are accelerated across the gap in the cyclotron using an oscillating electric field. This electric field changes direction and causes the protons to gain energy and speed as they cross the gap.
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. The cyclotron relies on the electric and magnetic forces acting on charged particles, and since neutrons do not have an electric charge, they cannot be influenced by these forces.
Step 4
Describe how the fast-moving protons are used to produce radioactive nuclei.
Answer
Fast-moving protons are directed towards a target, usually made of a stable isotope. When the protons collide with the nuclei of the target material, they can cause reactions that result in the formation of radioactive isotopes. These reactions may include nuclear reactions such as proton capture or spallation, leading to the production of new, unstable nuclei that will eventually decay and emit radiation.