Cyclotron Resonance ConditionHardQuestion 20225
Question
The cyclotron resonance condition breaks down when:
- AThe particle speed exceeds the cyclotron critical speed
- BThe particle's mass increases due to relativistic effects and the cyclotron frequency shiftsCorrect
- CThe electric field frequency is too low
- DThe magnetic field is too weak
Correct answer
The particle's mass increases due to relativistic effects and the cyclotron frequency shifts
Explanation
Cyclotron frequency f = qB/(2πm). At relativistic speeds, m increases → f decreases → the particle falls out of phase with the fixed-frequency alternating field. The synchrotron resolves this by adjusting the field frequency or B to maintain resonance.