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The Principle of the Cyclotron

The principle involved in the construction and

operation of the cyclotron follows a very logical

line of thought. Lawrence supported the idea of

hitting the atom with particles of like size matter

moving at great velocities. He assumed that if

atoms could be hit by very minute particles traveling

at a terrific rate the structure of the atom

surely would be disarranged to some extent, just

as a block of wood is shattered by a bullet. These

particles used in the cyclotron are usually heavy

hydrogen ions; that is, hydrogen atoms that have

lost their outer electron and became protons of

hydrogen. The source of these heavy hydrogen

atoms is deuterium oxide, commonly known as

heavy water.

When an atom of an element is hit by one of

these protons, it may do one of several possible

things. First it may accept the proton into its

nucleus (thus changing its mass and atomic

weight), while keeping many of its original properties.

If the binding force in the atom itself is

not great enough to withstand the impact of the

proton, the atom will split into new atoms each

with their own systems of electrons. Often the

bombarded atom refuses either to accept the bombarding

particles into its system or to break up

into new atoms, but merely "boards" the proton

long enough to convert it into energy. Since the

atom has no real need for this extra energy, it

starts to give energy back immediately in much

the same manner as radium. This condition, which

has been created in practically every metal known,

is referred to as artificial radioactivity.

Uses of the Cyclotron

The newest use of the cyclotron is in the production

of artificially radioactive substances.

These substances find unlimited use as "tracers"

in plant processes and human diseases. By injecting

artificially radioactive phosphorus, for example,

into certain bacteria, it is possible to actually

follow the course of the bacilli as they seek

their way into tissues.

Professor Lawrence, aided by his cyclotron, has

made several remarkable discoveries which are

aiding greatly in the understanding of those diseases

such as cancer. He has discovered that different

types of cancer cells assimilate the element

phosphorus at different rates, thus introducing a

new method for the possible identification and

classification of these cells. It has also been found

practical to use artificially radioactive substances

in place of radium for effective treatment of cancer.

These "artificial radiums," produced by bombardment

of certain material, are not only much

less expensive and less difficult to secure, but their

activity can be limited, thus reducing many of the

dangers that often arise from the use of natural

radium. Professor Lawrence has found that

these radioactive materials in many cases are

much better for treatments than radium. The

rays produced by these substances act with much

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5mo ago

A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator that uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged particles in a spiral path. It is commonly used in nuclear physics research and medical facilities to accelerate particles for various applications, such as producing radioisotopes for medical imaging or cancer treatment.

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10y ago

A cyclotron is an apparatus whereby the subatomic and charged atomic particles are accelerated by an alternating electric field.

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How do you use cyclotron in a sentence?

The cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator used to accelerate charged particles to high speeds for various scientific and medical applications.


What is a cyclotron operator?

A cyclotron operator is a person who operates and maintains a cyclotron particle accelerator. They are responsible for setting up experiments, adjusting parameters, monitoring performance, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the cyclotron. Cyclotron operators play a crucial role in research, healthcare, and industrial applications involving particle acceleration.


What are the Disadvantages of cyclotron over human body?

One of the main disadvantages of a cyclotron compared to the human body is that the cyclotron produces ionizing radiation which can be harmful to living tissues if not properly shielded or controlled. Additionally, the high energy particles generated by the cyclotron can cause damage to sensitive electronic devices and materials. Lastly, the operation and maintenance of a cyclotron can be complex and expensive compared to the natural processes in the human body.


Who invented cyclotron?

The cyclotron was invented by physicist Ernest O. Lawrence in 1929 while he was at the University of California, Berkeley. Lawrence was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his work on the cyclotron.


Maximum velocity which can be provided by cyclotron to a particle?

The maximum velocity that a particle can reach in a cyclotron is limited by the speed of light, which is approximately 3 x 10^8 m/s in a vacuum. As particles in a cyclotron are accelerated closer to the speed of light, they experience relativistic effects that make further acceleration more difficult.

Related questions

What is salary of cyclotron operator?

A cyclotron operator is responsible for running a cyclotron. The average salary of a cyclotron operator is $64,000 per year.


When was Harvard Cyclotron Laboratory created?

Harvard Cyclotron Laboratory was created in 1949.


When was Cyclotron - album - created?

Cyclotron - album - was created on 1993-01-25.


How do you use cyclotron in a sentence?

The cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator used to accelerate charged particles to high speeds for various scientific and medical applications.


What is a cyclotron operator?

A cyclotron operator is a person who operates and maintains a cyclotron particle accelerator. They are responsible for setting up experiments, adjusting parameters, monitoring performance, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the cyclotron. Cyclotron operators play a crucial role in research, healthcare, and industrial applications involving particle acceleration.


What are the Disadvantages of cyclotron over human body?

One of the main disadvantages of a cyclotron compared to the human body is that the cyclotron produces ionizing radiation which can be harmful to living tissues if not properly shielded or controlled. Additionally, the high energy particles generated by the cyclotron can cause damage to sensitive electronic devices and materials. Lastly, the operation and maintenance of a cyclotron can be complex and expensive compared to the natural processes in the human body.


Who invented cyclotron?

The cyclotron was invented by physicist Ernest O. Lawrence in 1929 while he was at the University of California, Berkeley. Lawrence was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1939 for his work on the cyclotron.


What is the name for a particle accelerator?

Cyclotron


Maximum velocity which can be provided by cyclotron to a particle?

The maximum velocity that a particle can reach in a cyclotron is limited by the speed of light, which is approximately 3 x 10^8 m/s in a vacuum. As particles in a cyclotron are accelerated closer to the speed of light, they experience relativistic effects that make further acceleration more difficult.


Bar line Graph for cyclotron?

A bar line graph for a cyclotron could display the energy levels of particles as they circulate through the cyclotron. The x-axis could represent time or number of revolutions, while the y-axis would show the energy level of the particles. This graph would visually show the acceleration process and energy gain of particles within the cyclotron.


How does one determine the maximum energy to which a deuteron can be accelerated in a cyclotron?

The maximum energy a deuteron can be accelerated to in a cyclotron is determined by the radius of the cyclotron and the strength of the magnetic field. The energy is limited by the radius of the cyclotron because as the deuteron gains energy, it moves in a larger orbit, potentially reaching the edge of the cyclotron where it can escape. The strength of the magnetic field affects the rate of acceleration, with higher strengths allowing for faster acceleration to higher energies.


What is the machine known as cyclotron used for?

A cyclotron is used to create various radioactive atoms which can then be used for various diagnostic imaging. It is often used in the medical industry.