CYCLOTRON Meaning and
Definition
-
A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator that utilizes magnetic fields to accelerate charged particles. This device is designed to accelerate charged particles, such as protons or ions, to high velocities in order to study their behavior or create particles for various applications. The word "cyclotron" is derived from the Greek words "kyklos" meaning circle or cycle, and "tron" meaning tool.
The structure of a typical cyclotron consists of two D-shaped hollow electrodes, known as dees, placed face to face with a narrow gap between them. These dees are connected to a high-frequency alternating voltage source. The magnetic field generated by a set of external magnets causes the particles to travel in a circular path within the gap between the dees. As the particles pass through the gap, the electric fields between the dees accelerate them further, causing them to spiral outward to higher speeds.
The cyclotron operates on the principle of resonance, meaning that the oscillating electric field is timed to match the rotational frequency of the particles. By continuously increasing the speed of the particles with each revolution, they can eventually reach very high energies.
Cyclotrons have various applications in scientific research, including particle physics experiments, medical radiotherapy, and the production of radioisotopes for medical imaging and diagnosis. They have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of subatomic particles and have become fundamental tools in many fields of science.
Common Misspellings for CYCLOTRON
Etymology of CYCLOTRON
The word "cyclotron" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "kyklos" meaning "circle" or "wheel", and "tron" meaning "instrument" or "device". The term was coined by physicist Ernest O. Lawrence in 1932 when he developed the first cyclotron at the University of California, Berkeley. The cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator that uses a magnetic field and high-frequency radio waves to accelerate charged particles in a circular path. The name "cyclotron" was chosen to describe the circular motion of the particles within the accelerator.
Similar spelling words for CYCLOTRON
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
