Can a device generate 10^25 electrons per second?

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The discussion centers on the feasibility of a device generating 10^25 electrons per second, with skepticism about the existence of such a device due to the immense current it would require. Participants clarify that electrons are not produced at generators but are moved through circuits, and one contributor mentions achieving 110 nC per pulse in an accelerator, equating to a significant number of electrons per second, though still below the 10^25 mark. The conversation highlights the distinction between the number of electrons and the current they represent, noting that while a million amps is a massive figure, practical applications often involve much lower outputs. Ultimately, while high electron production is possible in accelerators, achieving the proposed figure remains a theoretical challenge. The discussion underscores the complexities of electron movement and generation in electrical systems.
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I have another question. Is there a device which currently exists which can produce in the region of 10^25 electrons per second? I have to admit, I am a bit doubtful as to the existence of such a device simply because of the sheer number of electrons which it must produce.
 
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That's a million amps. If half of a 1000 megawatt power plant's energy ends up as 220v power, that's 4.3 million amps at the usage points.

The question is a little odd, though...the electrons aren't "produced" at the generator, they are just pushed around in a circle.
 
Well, russ, I produce at our accelerator as high as 110 nC per pulse, and we can pulse as high as 10 Hz., so that's 1100 nC per second. Quick, how many electrons is that? :)

Zz.
 
Fair enough - not a lot of particle accelerators in the air conditioning systems I design...

...though I don't know what an nC is...
 
nC = nanoCoulomb
 
C=6.24150962915265 ×10^18 elementary charges.
 
Integral said:
nC = nanoCoulomb
Ok, so, is that a typo...? Did he mean mC? What am I missing here? The op asked about a million amps and that's a millionth of an amp...
 
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nano = 10^-9
Coulomb = 10^18

nC = 10^(18-9)=10^9

Thats a big number. Its small in terms of amps, but large in terms of number of electrons.

Its all relative.
 
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russ_watters said:
Ok, so, is that a typo...? Did he mean mC? What am I missing here? The op asked about a million amps and that's a millionth of an amp...

No, it's "nC". It doesn't produce quite 10^25 charge per second, but it is still in the 10^20, which is, from what I've been told, the "world record" for charge per bunch, at least in an L-band accelerator.

Zz.
 
  • #10
Ok, so I guess then the point is just that that is the most electrons you can have existing on their own (free of a wire)? A AA battery pushes around more than that, though, so I guess which is relevant depends on what the OP means by "produce"...
 
  • #11
russ_watters said:
That's a million amps. If half of a 1000 megawatt power plant's energy ends up as 220v power, that's 4.3 million amps at the usage points.

The question is a little odd, though...the electrons aren't "produced" at the generator, they are just pushed around in a circle.

Thanks for the idea about the megawatt power generators. I used it in this post where I need million ampere current to create high power magnetic fields:

Ultra high magnetic fields using carbon nanotubes.
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=193266


Bob Clark
 
  • #12
ZapperZ said:
Well, russ, I produce at our accelerator as high as 110 nC per pulse, and we can pulse as high as 10 Hz., so that's 1100 nC per second. Quick, how many electrons is that? :)

Zz.

Zz, I've heard of table top accelerators able to get extremely high voltages or currents by accelerating electrons.
For my application I need the high voltages/currents to be maintained.
Do your systems allow this to take place.


Bob Clark
 
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