Relation between spin and solar winds

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    Relation Solar Spin
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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the relationship between spin and the deflection of solar winds by Earth's magnetic field, examining the underlying mechanisms and theoretical frameworks involved. It includes considerations of classical physics, particularly the Lorentz force, and draws parallels to the Stern-Gerlach experiment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how solar wind particles are deflected by Earth's magnetic field, suggesting a comparison to the Stern-Gerlach experiment.
  • Another participant argues that the Lorentz force is the dominant factor for charged particles, noting the difficulty of applying the Stern-Gerlach experiment to charged particles like electrons.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the mechanism causing the deflection of solar winds.
  • Another participant reiterates that the Lorentz force is responsible for guiding the interaction between the plasma cloud and Earth's magnetic field.
  • One participant presents the equation of motion for charged particles in a magnetic field, explaining that the velocity component along the field remains unchanged while the perpendicular component rotates around the field lines.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the Stern-Gerlach experiment to solar wind deflection, with some emphasizing the role of the Lorentz force while others seek further clarification on the mechanisms involved. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise nature of the interactions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of charged particles in magnetic fields and does not resolve the complexities of the interactions between solar winds and Earth's magnetic field.

QuasarBoy543298
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I was thinking to myself, how come are particles coming from the sun gets deflected the way they do due to Earth's magnetic field?
They are getting pulled toward the poles, but if we think in terms of classical Lorentz force, they should not just follow the magnetic field lines, but rather start gaining speed in a perpendicular direction.
my idea was to think of this in terms of the Stern-Gerlach experiment. (magnetic field in the Z direction => two dots on the z-axis)
so, is the deflection solar winds from the Earth is just a big Stern-Gerlach experiment?
 
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saar321412 said:
I was thinking to myself, how come are particles coming from the sun gets deflected the way they do due to Earth's magnetic field?
They are getting pulled toward the poles, but if we think in terms of classical Lorentz force, they should not just follow the magnetic field lines, but rather start gaining speed in a perpendicular direction.
my idea was to think of this in terms of the Stern-Gerlach experiment. (magnetic field in the Z direction => two dots on the z-axis)
so, is the deflection solar winds from the Earth is just a big Stern-Gerlach experiment?
No. The Lorentz force dominates for charged particles. It's very difficult to construct a SG experiment in practice because you need a large particle that is almost electrically neutral and has one unpaired electron. That's why silver atoms are used.

If you put an electron through a SG magnet, it would fly off under the Lorentz force. As would most charged particles. It takes the special case of silver atoms to focus on the spin on the outermost electron.
 
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So, what is the mechanism that causes this deflection?
 
saar321412 said:
So, what is the mechanism that causes this deflection?
Try this:

 
it doesn't answer the question :(
the video does not explains what guides the interaction between this plasma cloud and Earth's magnetic field
 
saar321412 said:
it doesn't answer the question :(
the video does not explains what guides the interaction between this plasma cloud and Earth's magnetic field
The Lorentz force.
 
Just think about a constant magnetic field first. The equation of motion (here the non-relativistic version for simplicity in SI units)
$$m \dot{\vec{v}}=q \vec{v} \times \vec{B}$$
shows that the velocity component along the field doesn't change and the perpendicular component just rotates around the field lines.

This qualitatively holds also true for inhomogeneous magnetic fields such as the Earth's magnetic field, and thus the plasma current runs along the field lines. Each plasma particle makes a helical motion around the field lines.
 
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thank you!
 
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