Can a device generate 10^25 electrons per second?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of a device capable of generating approximately 10^25 electrons per second. Participants explore the implications of such a high electron production rate, considering both theoretical and practical aspects, including comparisons to existing technologies like particle accelerators and power plants.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses skepticism about the existence of a device that can produce 10^25 electrons per second, citing the sheer number involved.
  • Another participant calculates that 10^25 electrons corresponds to a current of a million amps, questioning the nature of electron production in generators.
  • A participant shares their experience with a particle accelerator that produces 110 nC per pulse at a frequency of 10 Hz, leading to a discussion about the number of electrons involved.
  • Clarifications about the unit "nC" (nanoCoulomb) are provided, with one participant noting that it represents a significant number of electrons despite being small in terms of current.
  • There is confusion regarding whether the initial claim about electron production was a typo, with some participants questioning if "mC" (milliCoulomb) was intended instead of "nC".
  • One participant mentions that while the accelerator does not reach 10^25 electrons per second, it achieves around 10^20, which they describe as a "world record" for charge per bunch in an L-band accelerator.
  • Another participant points out that while the accelerator produces a high number of electrons, a common AA battery can push more electrons, suggesting that the context of "production" matters.
  • There is a reference to the use of high currents in power plants and their relevance to generating strong magnetic fields, linking back to the original question about electron production.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the existence of a device capable of producing 10^25 electrons per second. There are multiple competing views regarding the definitions and implications of electron production, as well as the relevance of existing technologies.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions of charge units and the implications of electron production rates, indicating a need for clarity on the context in which "production" is defined. The discussion also highlights the complexity of comparing different systems and their capabilities.

ppyadof
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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...
 
Last edited:
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.
 
Last edited:
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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