MasteryExams
General Science • PhysicsHard

In a cyclotron, what limits the maximum energy to which ions or protons can be accelerated?

A. The breakdown voltage of the magnetic coils
B. Relativistic increase in mass of the particle at high velocities causing a loss of resonance✓ Correct Answer
C. The maximum electrostatic potential of the D-dees
D. Radiation losses due to Bremsstrahlung

💡 Solution & Explanation

In a cyclotron, the maximum achievable energy of accelerated ions is limited by the relativistic increase in particle mass at high velocities, which causes a loss of resonance with the oscillating electric field. Other options like electrostatic potential limits or magnetic coil breakdowns do not address the fundamental relativistic speed barrier. Physicists developed synchrotrons to overcome this mass variation limitation.

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