Relation between spin and solar winds

In summary, the deflection of particles from the sun due to Earth's magnetic field can be explained by the Lorentz force, which causes a helical motion along the field lines. This can be compared to the Stern-Gerlach experiment, but it is difficult to recreate in practice due to the specific conditions required.
  • #1
QuasarBoy543298
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I was thinking to myself, how come are particles coming from the sun gets deflected the way they do due to Earth's magnetic field?
They are getting pulled toward the poles, but if we think in terms of classical Lorentz force, they should not just follow the magnetic field lines, but rather start gaining speed in a perpendicular direction.
my idea was to think of this in terms of the Stern-Gerlach experiment. (magnetic field in the Z direction => two dots on the z-axis)
so, is the deflection solar winds from the Earth is just a big Stern-Gerlach experiment?
 
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  • #2
saar321412 said:
I was thinking to myself, how come are particles coming from the sun gets deflected the way they do due to Earth's magnetic field?
They are getting pulled toward the poles, but if we think in terms of classical Lorentz force, they should not just follow the magnetic field lines, but rather start gaining speed in a perpendicular direction.
my idea was to think of this in terms of the Stern-Gerlach experiment. (magnetic field in the Z direction => two dots on the z-axis)
so, is the deflection solar winds from the Earth is just a big Stern-Gerlach experiment?
No. The Lorentz force dominates for charged particles. It's very difficult to construct a SG experiment in practice because you need a large particle that is almost electrically neutral and has one unpaired electron. That's why silver atoms are used.

If you put an electron through a SG magnet, it would fly off under the Lorentz force. As would most charged particles. It takes the special case of silver atoms to focus on the spin on the outermost electron.
 
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  • #3
So, what is the mechanism that causes this deflection?
 
  • #4
saar321412 said:
So, what is the mechanism that causes this deflection?
Try this:

 
  • #5
it doesn't answer the question :(
the video does not explains what guides the interaction between this plasma cloud and Earth's magnetic field
 
  • #6
saar321412 said:
it doesn't answer the question :(
the video does not explains what guides the interaction between this plasma cloud and Earth's magnetic field
The Lorentz force.
 
  • #7
Just think about a constant magnetic field first. The equation of motion (here the non-relativistic version for simplicity in SI units)
$$m \dot{\vec{v}}=q \vec{v} \times \vec{B}$$
shows that the velocity component along the field doesn't change and the perpendicular component just rotates around the field lines.

This qualitatively holds also true for inhomogeneous magnetic fields such as the Earth's magnetic field, and thus the plasma current runs along the field lines. Each plasma particle makes a helical motion around the field lines.
 
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  • #8
thank you!
 
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1. What is the relationship between spin and solar winds?

The spin of a planet or celestial body refers to its rotational motion around its axis. Solar winds, on the other hand, are streams of charged particles released from the sun. The relationship between spin and solar winds is that the spin of a planet can affect the direction and intensity of solar winds that it encounters.

2. How does the spin of a planet affect solar winds?

The spin of a planet creates a magnetic field around it. When solar winds interact with this magnetic field, they can be deflected or channeled in different directions. The strength and orientation of the magnetic field, which is influenced by the spin of the planet, determine how much solar wind is able to reach the planet's atmosphere.

3. Can the spin of a planet influence the speed of solar winds?

Yes, the spin of a planet can impact the speed of solar winds. For example, if a planet's magnetic field is aligned with the direction of the solar winds, it can act as a shield and slow down the winds. On the other hand, if the magnetic field is perpendicular to the direction of the solar winds, it can accelerate the winds.

4. Are there any other factors that can affect the relationship between spin and solar winds?

Yes, the distance between a planet and the sun can also play a role in this relationship. The closer a planet is to the sun, the stronger the solar winds it will encounter. This can affect the planet's magnetic field and how it interacts with the solar winds. Additionally, the strength of the solar winds themselves can also impact the relationship.

5. How does the relationship between spin and solar winds impact a planet's atmosphere?

The interaction between spin and solar winds can have a significant impact on a planet's atmosphere. Solar winds can strip away a planet's atmosphere, especially if the planet has a weak magnetic field. However, a strong magnetic field, influenced by the planet's spin, can protect the atmosphere and help maintain its composition. This is seen in the case of Earth, where the magnetic field and spin work together to shield the atmosphere from harmful solar winds.

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