How does a cyclotron accelerate particles?

A cyclotron accelerates particles using a combination of magnetic and electric fields.

A cyclotron consists of two hollow, semi-circular electrodes known as "dees" that are placed in a strong magnetic field. The dees are connected to a high-frequency alternating voltage source, which creates an oscillating electric field between them. Charged particles are injected into the centre of the cyclotron and are accelerated by the electric field between the dees.

As the particles move towards the edge of the dees, they experience a perpendicular magnetic field that causes them to move in a circular path. The magnetic field is adjusted so that the particles complete a full circle and return to the gap between the dees at the same time that the electric field changes direction. This ensures that the particles are accelerated with each cycle.

The frequency of the alternating voltage is adjusted so that the particles gain energy with each cycle until they reach the desired energy level. Once the particles have reached the desired energy, they are extracted from the cyclotron and used for various applications such as medical imaging and cancer treatment.

Overall, the cyclotron is an efficient and effective way to accelerate particles to high energies using a combination of magnetic and electric fields.