Derive cyclotron and synchrotron frequency

In summary, the cyclotron and synchrotron frequency can be derived by using the expression (v/c)qB instead of qvB for the force of the magnetic field. The "c" in this formula represents the speed of light and is used in the CGS unit system. The familiar formula (mv^2)/r is used in the SI unit system. A snapshot of a website demonstrating this derivation is attached.
  • #1
Aziza
190
1
I am trying to find out how to derive the cyclotron and synchrotron frequency, but everywhere I look it is derived by saying that the force of the magnetic field is not qvB, but (v/c)qB. What on Earth is this c? I am guessing it means speed of light but then it is not the case that (v/c)qB = (mv^2)/r...but that is what is says everywhere for this derivation. I have attached a snapshot of a website deriving it this way as an example.
 

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  • #2
It's a matter of units.
The formula with c in it is the expression of Lorentz force in CGS units.
The one that you are more familiar with is in SI units.
 

1. What is a cyclotron and how does it work?

A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator that uses a strong magnetic field to accelerate charged particles in a spiral path. The particles are injected into a hollow, circular chamber called a dees, and an alternating electric field is applied to accelerate them as they travel between the dees. This process repeats, building up energy in the particles until they reach the desired speed.

2. What is the frequency of a cyclotron?

The frequency of a cyclotron is determined by the strength of the magnetic field and the mass of the particles being accelerated. It can be calculated using the equation f = Bq/2πm, where f is the frequency, B is the magnetic field strength, q is the charge of the particle, and m is its mass.

3. How is a synchrotron different from a cyclotron?

A synchrotron is also a type of particle accelerator, but it uses a different method for accelerating particles. Instead of a constant magnetic field, a synchrotron uses a series of alternating magnetic fields to keep the particles in a circular path and gradually increase their speed. This allows for higher energy particles to be produced compared to a cyclotron.

4. What is the frequency of a synchrotron?

The frequency of a synchrotron is determined by the strength of the magnetic field, the speed of the particles, and the radius of the circular path. It can be calculated using the equation f = v/2πr, where f is the frequency, v is the speed of the particles, and r is the radius of the circular path.

5. How are cyclotrons and synchrotrons used in scientific research?

Cyclotrons and synchrotrons are used in a variety of scientific research fields, including nuclear physics, material science, and medical research. They are used to produce high energy particles for experiments, create intense beams of radiation for imaging and therapy, and study the properties of matter at the atomic level. These particle accelerators have greatly advanced our understanding of the universe and have numerous practical applications in industry and medicine.

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