Potential generated by an ionized plasma between two plates

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential generated by an ionized plasma flowing through a rectangular pipe with specific dimensions and boundary conditions. The plasma flows in the z direction with a velocity v, while the walls at x = ±w/2 are insulating and the walls at y = ±h/2 are conducting. The presence of a magnetic field B in the x direction influences the forces acting on charged particles within the plasma. The final expression for the potential difference between the conducting walls is derived as V = hBv, establishing a direct relationship between the magnetic field, plasma velocity, and potential difference.

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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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