Max speed of proton in cyclotron

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the maximum speed of a proton in a cyclotron, focusing on the conditions under which the proton escapes the magnetic field. Participants explore the implications of the magnetic field's presence and its effect on the proton's motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the assumption that the magnetic field is only present in part of the proton's path and how this affects the maximum speed. There is also discussion about the conditions leading to the proton's escape from the magnetic field and the relationship between the magnetic force and centripetal force.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the nature of the cyclotron and the acceleration of protons, suggesting that the radius of the orbit increases until escape occurs. Others are clarifying the relationship between the magnetic field strength and the proton's speed, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific values related to the problem, including the radius of the orbit and the magnetic field strength, which are relevant to the discussion but not fully resolved. Participants are also navigating the implications of the problem statement versus the solution provided.

member 731016
Homework Statement
Please see below
Relevant Equations
Please see below
For this problem,
1674690491201.png

The solution is,
1674690074014.png

However, I don't understand why they say just before the proton escapes? Are they assuming that the B-field is only at a portion of region which means that only half or so of the circular path is within the B-field so only half of the path have a magnetic centripetal force?

If the B-field is only there for a portion of the protons path, how do they know that max speed is reached?

Many thanks!
 
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The say "just before the proton escapes" to give you indirectly a numerical value. Which of the two values in the statement of the problem do you think that is?
 
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kuruman said:
The say "just before the proton escapes" to give you indirectly a numerical value. Which of the two values in the statement of the problem do you think that is?
The max speed is ##5.17 \times 10^7 \frac {m}{s}##?
 
Callumnc1 said:
The max speed is ##5.17 \times 10^7 \frac {m}{s}##?
I said the "in statement of the problem", not in the solution that follows it.
 
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kuruman said:
I said the "in statement of the problem", not in the solution that follows it.
Oh I see - thanks @kuruman!

It means max speed of proton over region of radius 1.20 m with B-field strength of 0.450 T.

EDIT: However, I still don't see how the proton would escape since theoretically it should continue moving in the circle of radius 1.20 m as the magnetic force provides the centripetal force. What would cause it to leave the B-field?
 
Protons in a cyclotron are accelerated. This means that the radius of the orbit increases until they escape. Look it up here to see how it's done.
 
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kuruman said:
Protons in a cyclotron are accelerated. This means that the radius of the orbit increases until they escape. Look it up here to see how it's done.
Thanks @kuruman , will do!
 
Callumnc1 said:
Thanks @kuruman , will do!
Ah so understanding the cyclotron principle I see now that you don't have to calculate the electric force on the protons going from each dee as that info can be gauged from the magnetic field strength and cyclon frequency that does not depend on radius.
 

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