Questions about plasma physics

In summary, the conversation discusses studying electrostatic waves in plasma and some questions that arise. The first question is about ignoring the magnetic field and the meaning of electrostatic waves. The second question is about the adiabatic behavior of electrons and the possibility of having both electron and ion waves in the same plasma. The conversation also mentions the adiabatic invariant as a measure of electron behavior and suggests a resource for further understanding.
  • #1
mody mody
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i study the electrostatic waves at plasma (as a beginner) and i come to some questions and hope to find a help

1) how could we ignore magnetic field (taking B =0) although we have oscillating charges (what particularly electrostatic wave means )

2) at studying ion acoustic they always assume that electron behave acrobatically ( w/k << vth) what does this mean ... and is the case such that we have both the waves (electron and ion waves) at the same time ??

my main reference is chen book for plasma physics ...
 
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  • #2
1. Well, in general, there are many kinds of plasma waves which interact with the magnetic field. But there is one kind of wave that doesn't interact, and this is called an electrostatic wave or plasma oscillation. This wave has an oscillating electric field which is parallel to the magnetic field. Charged particles are free to move parallel to the magnetic field without any magnetic force, so the oscillatory motion in this direction is the same with and without magnetic field.

2. The word is adiabatically, not acrobatically. As far as I know, it means that the electrons are assumed to react instantly to the motion of the wave, so the electrons are always in a steady state distribution with respect to the fields. The electrons themselves are moving, but they are in orbits that cycle back and forth more quickly than the timescale of the wave. The ions, on the other hand, take some time to respond to the changing fields. What this means is that you can decouple the activity of the electrons and ions. The electron orbits are still changing over time, but a particular quantity that describes the electron orbits does not change.

The word adiabatic comes from the adiabatic invariant.
##J = \oint v dx = \oint \sqrt{\frac{2}{m}(W+e\phi)}##
Since the plasma is changing slowly compared to the motion of the electron, ##J## is approximately conserved.

If you have access, take a look at http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0032-1028/12/12/003/meta
 
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  • #3
Khashishi said:
1. Well, in general, there are many kinds of plasma waves which interact with the magnetic field. But there is one kind of wave that doesn't interact, and this is called an electrostatic wave or plasma oscillation. This wave has an oscillating electric field which is parallel to the magnetic field. Charged particles are free to move parallel to the magnetic field without any magnetic force, so the oscillatory motion in this direction is the same with and without magnetic field.

2. The word is adiabatically, not acrobatically. As far as I know, it means that the electrons are assumed to react instantly to the motion of the wave, so the electrons are always in a steady state distribution with respect to the fields. The electrons themselves are moving, but they are in orbits that cycle back and forth more quickly than the timescale of the wave. The ions, on the other hand, take some time to respond to the changing fields. What this means is that you can decouple the activity of the electrons and ions. The electron orbits are still changing over time, but a particular quantity that describes the electron orbits does not change.

The word adiabatic comes from the adiabatic invariant.
##J = \oint v dx = \oint \sqrt{\frac{2}{m}(W+e\phi)}##
Since the plasma is changing slowly compared to the motion of the electron, ##J## is approximately conserved.

If you have access, take a look at http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0032-1028/12/12/003/meta
thank you .. things become more clearer

but i still have a question

at the same plasma .. could i have both electron and ion waves (although we didn't treat the electrons adiabatically at studying the electron waves ) ??!
 

1. What is plasma and how is it different from other states of matter?

Plasma is a state of matter in which the electrons are separated from the nuclei of atoms, creating a highly ionized gas. It is often referred to as the fourth state of matter, alongside solid, liquid, and gas. Unlike the other states of matter, plasma is electrically conductive and responds strongly to electromagnetic fields.

2. How is plasma used in everyday life?

Plasma is used in a variety of ways in everyday life. Some common examples include fluorescent lights, plasma TVs, and neon signs. It is also used in a wide range of industrial processes, such as welding, cutting, and surface treatment. In addition, plasma is being researched for its potential use in medical treatments and energy production.

3. What is fusion and how does it relate to plasma physics?

Fusion is a process in which two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. This process is what powers the sun and other stars. In order to achieve fusion on Earth, plasma must be heated to extremely high temperatures and confined using powerful magnetic fields. This is an area of study within plasma physics known as magnetic confinement fusion.

4. What are some current challenges in the field of plasma physics?

One major challenge in plasma physics is achieving and sustaining the high temperatures and densities needed for fusion to occur. Another challenge is developing more efficient and cost-effective methods for confining and controlling plasma. Additionally, understanding and mitigating the effects of plasma instabilities is a key area of research.

5. How does plasma play a role in astrophysics?

Plasma is the most abundant state of matter in the universe and is therefore crucial to our understanding of astrophysical phenomena. It plays a key role in the formation and evolution of stars, as well as in the dynamics of galaxies and other cosmic structures. Studying plasma in space also helps us better understand the behavior of plasma on Earth.

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