Investigating Equal Energies in a Plasma of 3 Populations

[Heimdall]

Hi,

Let's consider a plasma of 3 distinct populations : 1 cold proton population of 0.2 density, 1 hot proton population of 0.8 density, and one electron population.

I have $$T_i=T_e$$ and I set the velocity of my cold population to 0. I expected that te energy of my hot proton population to be equal to the energy of my electron population, but in fact the electrons are always a bit mor energetic than my protons.

Am I right, should I expect the energies to be equal ?

 

[Astronuc]

Having distinct cold and hot populations of protons would be rather impossible - there is usually continuous distribution. The electrons would rapidly equilibrate to the proton temperatures since the electrons are much lighter and the coulomb forces are considerable. The electrons temperatures are approximately those of the protons for those reasons, and perhaps slightly cooler since electrons lose energy more readily due to brehmsstrahlung, and if magnetically confined, cyclotron radiation.

Only with external heating (e.g. RF) would electrons be hotter - but only while the external heating is applied.

 

[sir-pinski]

Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your findings regarding the energy levels in a plasma of 3 populations. It is an interesting observation that the electrons are consistently more energetic than the protons, despite having the same temperature.

In this case, it is important to consider the individual properties of each population. While the temperature may be the same, the masses and charges of the particles are different, which can affect their energy levels. Electrons, being much lighter and having a negative charge, may have a higher energy level compared to protons of the same temperature.

Additionally, the velocity of the cold proton population being set to 0 may also play a role in the overall energy distribution. It is possible that the electrons are gaining more energy due to interactions with the hot protons, which are in motion.

Overall, it is not necessarily expected for the energies to be equal in this scenario, as there are many factors at play. However, further investigation and analysis can help to better understand the energy distribution in this plasma system. Thank you for bringing this topic to our attention and sparking a discussion on equal energies in a plasma of 3 populations.