Potential generated by an ionized plasma between two plates

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the potential generated by an ionized plasma flowing through a rectangular pipe with specific dimensions and boundary conditions. The plasma's velocity in the z direction and the presence of a magnetic field in the x direction are key factors influencing the forces acting on charged particles. Participants clarify that the electric field can be derived from the balance of electric and magnetic forces on the charged particles. The relationship between the electric field and the potential is established, leading to the conclusion that the potential can be expressed as V = hBv. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the forces at play in plasma dynamics to solve the problem effectively.
MeMoses
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Homework Statement



An ionized plasma flows with a velocity v in the z direction, though a rectangular pipe with x, y, z dimensions of w, h, l respectively. The walls at x=\pm w/2 are insulating while the walls at y=\pm h/2 are conducting. Lastly there is a magnetic field B in the x direction.

Find the potential between the conducting walls.

Homework Equations



Maxwell's equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not used to problems with plasmas, but I take it the velocity somewhat similar to current here. I'm not sure what I need to find the potential though, perhaps the electric field between the plates, but then I'm not sure where to find that. I think my main problem is I'm just not sure where to start. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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Plasma consists of charged particles. Consider one of them, with charge q. It is said to flow with velocity v in the z direction. That means the net force on the particle is zero. But there are a magnetic field and an electric field, both exerting forces on it.
 
Yea that really simplifies things from how I was approaching it. So F_{mag} = F_{electric}
EQ=Q(v \times B)
E=-vB
so then
V = hBv
 
MeMoses said:
Yea that really simplifies things from how I was approaching it. So F_{mag} = F_{electric}

Not exactly. Rather, it is ##F_e + F_m = 0##. So check the signs in what follows.
 
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