Describe the basic principle of operation of a synchrotron.

Charged particles travel round a fixed circular ring, are accelerated by alternating electric fields at points around it, and are held on the same path by magnets whose field is increased in step with their momentum.

Why must the magnetic field be increased as the particles speed up?

The radius mv/(Bq) must stay constant to keep the particles in the fixed ring, so as the momentum rises the flux density must rise with it.

What accelerates the particles in a synchrotron?

Alternating electric fields in radio-frequency cavities placed at intervals around the ring, timed so the field pushes each bunch forwards as it passes.

What keeps the particles on their circular path?

Powerful bending magnets placed around the ring, whose magnetic force provides the centripetal force.

CCEA A-Level Physics 1210

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Charged Particles and Accelerators

The synchrotron

3 things to know
Unit A2 2

Overview

Basic principle of operation of a synchrotron, one argument in favour of building a very large accelerator and one argument against building a very large accelerator.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What is a particle accelerator used for?

Key term

Why must the magnetic field of a synchrotron be increased as the particles speed up?

Key term

Where does the name synchrotron come from?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is a particle accelerator used for?
Model answer
To give charged particles very high kinetic energies so that they can be collided together and the products studied.
2
Describe the basic principle of operation of a synchrotron.
Model answer
Charged particles travel round a fixed circular ring, are accelerated by alternating electric fields at points around it, and are held on the same path by magnets whose field is increased in step with their momentum.
3
Why must the magnetic field be increased as the particles speed up?
Model answer
The radius mv/(Bq) must stay constant to keep the particles in the fixed ring, so as the momentum rises the flux density must rise with it.
4
Where does the name synchrotron come from?
Model answer
The rising magnetic field and the accelerating voltage are synchronised with the motion of the particle bunch.
5
What accelerates the particles in a synchrotron?
Model answer
Alternating electric fields in radio-frequency cavities placed at intervals around the ring, timed so the field pushes each bunch forwards as it passes.
6
What keeps the particles on their circular path?
Model answer
Powerful bending magnets placed around the ring, whose magnetic force provides the centripetal force.

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