Skip to main content

Demos: 5A-15 Cyclotron Model

This demonstration is a simple working model of a Cyclotron. The Cyclotron Model is powered by a Van de Graaff generator or Wimshurst machine. To start the demonstration, engage the generator and toss the metallic coated sphere into the model. The Cyclotron has 4 conducting strips, designed in such a way that one strip has a positive charge, the next strip will have a negative charge, and the next strip will have a positive charge and so on. When the metallic sphere makes contact with the positively charged strip, the sphere will acquire a positive charge. Thus, the strip and the sphere will experience a repelling force. The next strip is negative and as it is experiencing a repelling from the previous positive strip, it is feeling an attractive force from the upcoming negative strip. When the sphere makes contact with the next strip which is negative, a negative charge is conducted from the strip to the sphere. This will now repel the sphere away from the strip and attract it to the next strip which is positive. The process will continue as long as the generator keeps supplying a potential difference in which to drive the charge.

NOTE: We have a larger Cyclotron Model you can also use. However, the power source needed to drive the charge is in the thousands of volts range which makes it extremely dangerous to anyone unfamiliar with electricity. We will need a 24 hour notice to prepare this demonstration.

Add to Cart | View Cart

Last Updated: Nov 30, 2023 11:25 AM

Department of Physics and Astronomy, 525 Northwestern Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2036 • Phone: (765) 494-3000 • Fax: (765) 494-0706

Copyright © 2023 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Copyright Complaints

Trouble with this page? Disability-related accessibility issue? Please contact the College of Science.