The cyclotron frequency, also known as the gyrofrequency or gyroscopic frequency, is a fundamental concept in physics, particularly in the field of charged particle dynamics in magnetic fields. It describes the frequency at which a charged particle with a given mass and charge, moving perpendicular to a magnetic field, will undergo circular motion.
Mathematically, the cyclotron frequency (ωc) is given by the formula:
ωc = q * B / m
Where:
ωc is the cyclotron frequency.
q is the charge of the particle.
B is the strength of the magnetic field.
m is the mass of the particle.
This frequency is expressed in radians per second. The cyclotron frequency is a key parameter in understanding the behavior of charged particles, such as electrons or ions, in magnetic fields. It's particularly important in plasma physics, particle accelerators, and various space science applications, as it helps describe the motion of charged particles in magnetic fields, such as in cyclotron radiation or in the behavior of particles in Earth's magnetosphere.