Power loss due to ionisation of air from magnetic fields

AI Thread Summary
A current-carrying wire generates a magnetic field, but this typically does not result in power loss unless the magnetic flux changes, inducing an electromotive force (emf) in nearby conductors. Ionization of air around a wire due to a strong magnetic field is questioned, as it is primarily the electric field in high voltage systems that causes ionization, leading to losses known as corona. This unwanted ionization can create significant issues in high voltage applications, prompting designs to minimize its occurrence. The discussion highlights the distinction between magnetic and electric fields in terms of their effects on power loss. Overall, while magnetic fields can exert forces on other magnets, they do not inherently cause power loss through ionization.
CraigH
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Hi,
A current carrying wire creates a magnetic field around it, as shown here: http://courses.ae.utexas.edu/ase463q/design_pages/fall02/wavelet/3_sour8.gif

As far as I am aware this usually doesn’t cause a power loss. Even if there is a flux on a nearby conductor there will be no power loss along the wire unless that flux is changing, in which case a emf will be induced on that conductor, meaning there has to be a power loss on the first wire. Correct?

However, if a wire has a current that causes a magnetic field so strong it ionises the air around it, surely this will cause a power loss? as work has been done ionising the atoms.

Also, if a different magnet is put into the magnetic field caused by the wire, it will feel a force on it, and accelerate in the direction of the force, so work is being done here as well.

What I'm basically trying to ask is that if there is a current carrying wire with zero resistance, will it still have loss's due to the fact that it creates a magnetic field?

Thanks
 
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It is the Electric Filed (high voltage) that typically ionizes the air, and this does yield some looses in high voltage systems. I have not heard of a magnetic field causing ionization.

In high voltage systems this un-wanted ionization is called corona - and leads to a lot of problems, so the mechanical design of the systems tries to minimize the development of the corona.
 
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