Plasma physics - single particle in time-varying B-field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the drift velocity of a particle in a constant uniform electric field (E-field) and a slowly time-varying magnetic field (B-field) in plasma physics. The participant references the adiabatic invariance of the magnetic moment, expressed as μ = (m v⊥²)/(2B), which is crucial for understanding the drift velocity. The participant is exploring the E-cross-B drift term and is seeking clarity on how to incorporate the effects of the time-varying B-field into the drift velocity equation, specifically the term v_D = (E × B)/B².

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of plasma physics concepts, particularly drift velocities.
  • Familiarity with Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction.
  • Knowledge of adiabatic invariance and its implications in magnetic fields.
  • Basic proficiency in vector calculus as it applies to electromagnetic fields.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of drift velocities in plasma physics, focusing on E-cross-B drift.
  • Study the implications of adiabatic invariance on particle motion in magnetic fields.
  • Examine the mathematical formulation of Faraday's law and its applications in time-varying fields.
  • Explore advanced plasma physics textbooks that cover the dynamics of charged particles in electromagnetic fields.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in plasma physics, particularly those studying the dynamics of charged particles in electromagnetic fields, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to drift velocities and magnetic moments.

quarky2001
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It's an intro plasma physics course, and already starting to get to me...

I'm asked to derive an expression for the drift velocity of a particle in a constant uniform E-field, and a slowly time-varying B-field.

I've looked at a few books to see if I can even find the final result, so I have an idea what I'm shooting for, but every resource only seems to use the "time-varying B-field" case as a means to talk about the adiabatic invariance of a particles magnetic moment.

Does anyone know how I should be going about this problem? I really have no clue.
 
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Does Faraday's law or magnetic induction ring a bell?

Can one find a discussion of E(t) and dB(t)/dt?
 
I think I might have come up with a solution, but I'm a bit unsure, as it came about without as much math as I thought it would take.

Given the constant E-field, and the time varying B-field, we know there will be an E-cross-B drift term in the new drift velocity. The other part I think I might be able to get like this:

We know that the magnetic moment is an adiabatic invariant, i.e.

<br /> \mu = \frac{m{v_\perp}^2}{2B}=constant<br />

And, the phrase "slowly time-varying" in the question suggests to me that this should apply here.

So I should get

<br /> v_D=\frac{E\times B}{B^2} + ?<br />

I'm just not sure how to arrive at the new term that comes out of the adiabatic invariance of the magnetic moment.
 

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