To apply electric current to plasmas in motion, we use a device called a tokamak, which is designed to create and contain plasma. Inside the tokamak, a strong magnetic field is generated to confine the plasma, while an electrical current is induced within the plasma using a transformer-like process.
The main purpose of applying electric current to plasmas in motion is to heat and control the plasma. This is necessary in order to reach the high temperatures and densities required for fusion reactions to occur. The electric current also helps to shape and stabilize the plasma, preventing it from touching the walls of the tokamak and losing energy.
One of the main challenges is the instability of the plasma. As the plasma is made up of charged particles, it can be easily disrupted and lose its shape. This makes it difficult to maintain a steady electric current. Additionally, the high temperatures and intense magnetic fields involved can also pose technical challenges for the equipment and materials used.
The most significant potential application of applying electric current to plasmas in motion is in the field of nuclear fusion. If successful, this technology could provide a practically limitless source of clean energy, with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, the plasma research conducted in the process could also have applications in fields such as materials science and plasma medicine.
Researchers around the world are currently working on improving and optimizing the process of applying electric current to plasmas in motion. This includes developing more efficient and stable methods of generating and sustaining the electric current, as well as finding ways to reduce the energy and materials needed for the process. There are also ongoing efforts to build larger and more powerful tokamaks, such as the ITER project, in order to achieve sustained fusion reactions at a larger scale.