Cyclotron Frequency: Is it Truly Independent of Energy and Mass?

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SUMMARY

Cyclotrons operate on the principle that cyclotron frequency is independent of energy, as confirmed in the discussion. While electrons can achieve relativistic speeds, the driving frequency must be adjusted to account for the increase in relativistic mass, specifically described by the equation p=mvγ. The term "relativistic mass" is often misused; however, the correct understanding focuses on the Lorentz factor (gamma) increasing rather than the mass itself. This distinction is crucial for the operation of synchrocyclotrons.

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  • Familiarity with relativistic physics concepts
  • Knowledge of the Lorentz factor (gamma) in physics
  • Basic grasp of synchrocyclotron functionality
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zeynep altay
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Do cyclotrons make use of the principle that the cyclotron frequency is independent of energy?
 
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Hello zeynep, :welcome:

Short question, short answer ?

Yes
 
zeynep altay said:
Do cyclotrons make use of the principle that the cyclotron frequency is independent of energy?
Just to keep things going: It is relatively easy to make electrons travel at relativistic speeds and that requires the driving frequency to be varied to compensate for the changing relativistic mass. See Synchrocyclotron.
 
relativistic mass?
 
Meir Achuz said:
relativistic mass?
Not the current word (slip of the keyboard) but the mass that needs to be made to orbit increases and the frequency needs to be changed. A change of terms didn't change the requirement for a synchrocyclotron.
 
mass that needs to be made to orbit increases?
p=mv gamma. Gamma increases, not the mass.
 
Meir Achuz said:
mass that needs to be made to orbit increases?
p=mv gamma. Gamma increases, not the mass.
Yes. That is the better informed way to say it but this and many other sources still use the wrong term but get the right answer. I will try to bring myself into the twenty first century.
 

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