Penetration of magnetic field into a plasma?

[Sven Andersson]

A magnetic field doesn't penetrate well into a plasma because it produces currents that counters the field, so to speak. But, before those currents are produced, does the whole of the plasma "feel" the magnetic field? For how long; ns, us or ms?

S.A.

 

[davenn]

But, before those currents are produced, does the whole of the plasma "feel" the magnetic field?

they would depend on how big an area (volume) the plasma is to which you have given no info

 

[tech99]

A magnetic field doesn't penetrate well into a plasma because it produces currents that counters the field, so to speak. But, before those currents are produced, does the whole of the plasma "feel" the magnetic field? For how long; ns, us or ms?

S.A.

Does not the plasma behave just like a piece of metal, where the behaviour of fields is well understood?

 

[Sven Andersson]

A magnetic field doesn't penetrate well into a plasma because it produces currents that counters the field, so to speak. But, before those currents are produced, does the whole of the plasma "feel" the magnetic field? For how long; ns, us or ms?

S.A.

Let's say we have a plasma in a Fusor, that is about the size of a golf ball, and apply a strong magnetic field; how long does it take for the currents to get running to shield the inner parts of the plasma from the field?