Electron drift velocity in a gas discharge

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SUMMARY

The drift velocity of free electrons in a gas discharge is higher than that of electrons in a conductor when both are subjected to the same voltage. This is due to the lighter mass of electrons compared to ions in the gas discharge, allowing them to achieve greater acceleration. The discussion confirms that under identical voltage conditions, gas discharge electrons exhibit superior drift velocity characteristics compared to those in conductive materials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gas discharge physics
  • Knowledge of electron mobility and drift velocity
  • Familiarity with basic electrical concepts and voltage
  • Concepts of particle mass and acceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of gas discharge phenomena
  • Study the factors affecting electron mobility in different materials
  • Explore the relationship between voltage and drift velocity in conductive and non-conductive materials
  • Investigate the role of ionization in gas discharges
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying plasma physics or gas discharge phenomena will benefit from this discussion.

Timothy S.
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Is the drift velocity of gas' free electrons during the gas discharge higher than the one of the conductor's electron fliquid while the voltages supplied to these two substances are the same?
 
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The lightest particle in the gas discharge will be electrons. It is probable that electrons will be accelerated to higher velocities than ions in the gas discharge, or electrons in the conductors.
 

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