Directional electron cloud/separating ions from free electrons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of separating ions from free electrons in a gas ionized by microwaves, particularly focusing on the concept of "directionalized electrons" and the potential to manipulate these charges using electric and magnetic fields. The scope includes theoretical exploration and technical reasoning related to plasma physics and electromagnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the possibility of separating atoms from directionalized electrons created by microwaves.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the term "directionalized electrons," which is explained as a concentration of electrons shifted to one side due to the influence of microwaves.
  • A participant questions how to effectively 'pull' a current from the plasma generated by the microwaves.
  • Concerns are raised about the mean field of microwaves being zero, suggesting that there may not be a net force on the charges, although a DC field could separate charges in two directions.
  • One participant proposes that a constant generation of microwaves might function similarly to a DC field and questions the potential for drawing current from the shifted negative charge in the plasma.
  • Another participant challenges the idea that a constant microwave generation could equate to a DC field, emphasizing the need for a rectifying mechanism to obtain DC power.
  • Reference is made to Magnetohydrodynamics as a relevant concept for designing electricity generators, highlighting the differences from the original idea presented.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of separating charges and the implications of using microwaves versus a DC field. There is no consensus on the effectiveness of the proposed methods or the terminology used, indicating ongoing debate and uncertainty.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the assumptions behind "directionalized electrons," and there are unresolved questions regarding the mechanisms required to achieve the proposed separation of charges and current generation.

Dohmer
If you were sending microwaves one direction to ionize a gas, would you be able to pull or separate the atoms from these directionalized electrons? Say you had a magnetic coil with a strong e field pulling the atoms one way while the microwaves were trying to push the electrons the other way-is this in any way do-able with any existing devices?

Thank you.
 
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What do you mean by "directionalized electrons"?
 
Nugatory said:
What do you mean by "directionalized electrons"?

By "directionalized electrons," I mean microwaves flowing in one direction, alternating the shape of the plasma plume so that the concentration of electrons is shifted to one side.
 
Nugatory said:
What do you mean by "directionalized electrons"?
Do you follow? I suppose something that is also a part of the original question is- how do you 'pull' a current from the plasma
 
The mean field of the microwaves is zero so I can't see that there will be any net resultant force on either set of charges. However, once you have the plasma, a DC field will tend to separate the charges in two directions, though.
 
Wouldn't having a constant generation of microwaves be practically the same as a DC field? What I was thinking is that if you could shift the negative charge of a plasma in one direction, then could you draw that current effectively by some type of circuit?

I apologize for the broadness of my question..

Thank you
 
What does 'practically the same' mean? The mean value is Zero so where is the D.C.?
To obtain DC power (in the form of a Current and a PD) you need some rectifying mechanism.
If this isn't too intuitive for you then try a Google search for what you are after. If it were possible then there will be a device available to do it.
Look up Magnetohydrodynamics for a design of electricity generator. Spot the essential difference between that and your idea.
 

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