Physics Q6c – Particle accelerators | VCE Units 3 & 4 Practice – StudyPulse
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Physics VCE Units 3 & 4 Practice Question 6c – Particle accelerators

Q6c Physics Particle accelerators Unit 3 - AOS 2

A team of scientists is designing a compact medical isotope production facility using a small synchrotron. Negatively charged Hydrogen ions ($H^−$) are used. These ions are first accelerated linearly and then directed into a circular path by a magnetic field. The ions need to reach a final kinetic energy of 20.0 MeV.

Question 6c

4 marks

c. Discuss how the magnetic field strength and the frequency of the accelerating voltage in the linear accelerator would need to be adjusted if the synchrotron were to be used to accelerate heavier ions, such as carbon ions ($^{12}C^+$), to the same final kinetic energy per nucleon (MeV/nucleon). Assume the radius of the synchrotron remains constant.

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About This Physics Question

This is a free VCE Units 3 & 4 Physics practice question worth 4 marks, testing your understanding of Particle accelerators. It falls under How do things move without contact? in Unit 3: How do fields explain motion and electricity?. Submit your answer above to receive instant AI-powered marking and personalised feedback.

Subject
Physics – Victorian Certificate of Education Units 3 & 4
Unit 3
How do fields explain motion and electricity?
Area of Study 2
How do things move without contact?
Key Knowledge
Particle accelerators

Unit 3 Overview

In this unit students use Newton’s laws to investigate motion in one and two dimensions. They explore the concept of the field as a model used by physicists to explain observations of motion of objects not in apparent contact. Students compare and contrast three fundamental fields – gravitational, magnetic and electric – and how they relate to one another. They consider the importance of the field to the motion of particles within the field. Students examine the production of electricity and its delivery to homes. They explore fields in relation to the transmission of electricity over large distances and in the design and operation of particle accelerators. A student-designed practical investigation involving the generation of primary data and including one continuous, independent variable related to fields, motion or light is undertaken either in Unit 3 or Unit 4, or across both Units 3 and 4, and is assessed in Unit 4, Outcome 2. The design, analysis and findings of the investigation are presented in a scientific poster format.

How do things move without contact?

In this area of study, students examine the similarities and differences between three fields: gravitational, electric and magnetic. Students explore how positions in fields determine the potential energy of, and the force on, an object. They investigate how concepts related to field models can be applied to construct motors, maintain satellite orbits and to accelerate particles including in a synchrotron.

Key Knowledge Detail

Model the acceleration of particles in a particle accelerator (including synchrotrons) as uniform circular motion (limited to linear acceleration by a uniform electric field and direction change by a uniform magnetic field).

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