Question

Cyclotron cannot accelerate

• A. Electrons
• B. Neutrons
• C. Positive ions
• D. Both (A) and (B)

Hint:

Cyclotrons work only for charged particles at non-relativistic speeds. Neutral particles like neutrons and lightweight, fast-attaining-relativistic-speed particles like electrons can’t be accelerated.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

A cyclotron is a device used to accelerate charged particles, like positive ions, using a perpendicular magnetic field and an alternating electric field.
- Electrons cannot be accelerated because their small mass causes them to quickly attain relativistic speeds, making the cyclotron principle ineffective.
- Neutrons, being neutral, do not experience a force in the magnetic field and thus cannot be accelerated in a cyclotron.