Chapter 13: Problem 18
Which of the following pairs of particles would be accelerated in a particle accelerator? A. Gamma ray and neutron B. Gamma ray and beta particle C. Beta particle and neutron D. Alpha and beta particles
Short Answer
Expert verified
D. Alpha and beta particles
Step by step solution
01
- Understanding Particle Acceleration
In a particle accelerator, particles are accelerated by electromagnetic fields. Only charged particles can be influenced by these fields.
02
- Identifying Charged Particles
Identify which of the particles are charged. Gamma rays are not charged; they are photons. Neutrons are neutral, meaning they have no charge. Alpha particles are positively charged (composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons). Beta particles are negatively charged electrons or positively charged positrons.
03
- Comparing Each Pair
Evaluate each pair: A. Gamma ray (neutral) and neutron (neutral): Neither is charged.B. Gamma ray (neutral) and beta particle (charged): Only one is charged.C. Beta particle (charged) and neutron (neutral): Only one is charged.D. Alpha particle (charged) and beta particle (charged): Both are charged.
04
- Conclusion
Based on the comparison, the pair D (Alpha and beta particles) consists of two charged particles and can be accelerated in a particle accelerator.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
charged particles
Charged particles are fundamental to the workings of a particle accelerator. They possess either a positive or negative electric charge. This charge allows them to interact with electromagnetic fields. Here are some key types of charged particles:
- Alpha particles: Positively charged and made of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
- Beta particles: Can be either negatively charged electrons or positively charged positrons.
electromagnetic fields
Electromagnetic fields play a vital role in particle acceleration. They consist of electric and magnetic components that work together to exert forces on charged particles. Here’s how they operate:
The electric field is responsible for speeding up the particles. When a charged particle enters an electric field, it experiences a force in the direction of the field if it's positively charged, or in the opposite direction if it's negatively charged. This force accelerates the particle, increasing its kinetic energy.
Once the particle gains enough speed, magnetic fields come into play to help steer and focus the particle beam. Magnetic fields apply a force perpendicular to the path of a moving charged particle, causing it to follow a curved trajectory.
By carefully designing the arrangement of electromagnetic fields, particle accelerators can control the paths and speeds of charged particles with high precision. This coordination is essential for experiments in physics and other scientific fields.
The electric field is responsible for speeding up the particles. When a charged particle enters an electric field, it experiences a force in the direction of the field if it's positively charged, or in the opposite direction if it's negatively charged. This force accelerates the particle, increasing its kinetic energy.
Once the particle gains enough speed, magnetic fields come into play to help steer and focus the particle beam. Magnetic fields apply a force perpendicular to the path of a moving charged particle, causing it to follow a curved trajectory.
By carefully designing the arrangement of electromagnetic fields, particle accelerators can control the paths and speeds of charged particles with high precision. This coordination is essential for experiments in physics and other scientific fields.
particle accelerator
Particle accelerators are complex machines designed to speed up charged particles to very high velocities. They utilize electromagnetic fields to propel these particles and control their trajectories. Types of particle accelerators include:
For instance, in the provided exercise, option D (Alpha and beta particles) is the correct answer because both types of particles carry a charge and can thus be accelerated in a particle accelerator. Gamma rays and neutrons, being neutral, are unaffected by the electromagnetic fields used in these devices.
- Linear accelerators (linacs): Particles travel in a straight line while being accelerated by a series of electric fields.
- Synchrotrons: Particles move in a circular path, gaining energy from electric fields and being guided by magnetic fields.
For instance, in the provided exercise, option D (Alpha and beta particles) is the correct answer because both types of particles carry a charge and can thus be accelerated in a particle accelerator. Gamma rays and neutrons, being neutral, are unaffected by the electromagnetic fields used in these devices.