What is the drift speed for plasma?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the drift speed, drift orbital period, and current density for 1 eV protons and 10 eV electrons, assuming a grad-B drift with a particle density of 5 cm-3. The formula used for drift speed is = [6*E/(qBo*L*Re)](0.35 + 0.15sin(a)), where the magnetic field Bo is 0.35 x 10-4 T and L is set to 5. Participants noted discrepancies in the calculated drift speed, suggesting a need for clarification on the magnetic field and the determination of L. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding the ring current in the Earth's atmosphere.

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  • Understanding of plasma physics concepts, particularly grad-B drift.
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion in magnetic fields.
  • Knowledge of the Earth's magnetic field characteristics.
  • Basic proficiency in calculating current density and orbital periods.
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  • Research the derivation and application of the grad-B drift formula in plasma physics.
  • Study the characteristics of the Earth's magnetic field and its impact on charged particles.
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  • Explore the concept of ring currents and their significance in atmospheric physics.
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ExoP01
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Homework Statement


I need to calculate the drift speed, drift orbital period and current density for 1eV protons and 10eV electrons. The density is 5 cm^-3
The assumption is that it is only a grad-B drift

Homework Equations


<V> = [6*E/(qBo*L*Re)](0,35 + 0.15sin(a))

The Attempt at a Solution


For drift speed: I assumed that <V> = [6*E/(qBo*L*Re)](0,35 + 0.15sin(a))
Where a= pitch angle = 90 degrees, L= field line= 5 in this case and Bo is 0.35*10^-4 T for equatorial plane of Earth.
q= elementary charge.
I tried and got a wrong value for the average speed when I calculated for 1 eV (proton), the answer became too small. Where did I do wrong?

For drift orbital period:
The formula is (Td=2*pi*L*Re)/abs(V) from above, bud I need V, so this should be easy

The current density for the ring current: I actually have no idea, maybe a hint from you guys?

thanks!
 
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ExoP01 said:

Homework Statement


I need to calculate the drift speed, drift orbital period and current density for 1eV protons and 10eV electrons. The density is 5 cm^-3
The assumption is that it is only a grad-B drift

Homework Equations


<V> = [6*E/(qBo*L*Re)](0,35 + 0.15sin(a))

The Attempt at a Solution


For drift speed: I assumed that <V> = [6*E/(qBo*L*Re)](0,35 + 0.15sin(a))
Where a= pitch angle = 90 degrees, L= field line= 5 in this case and Bo is 0.35*10^-4 T for equatorial plane of Earth.
q= elementary charge.
I tried and got a wrong value for the average speed when I calculated for 1 eV (proton), the answer became too small. Where did I do wrong?

For drift orbital period:
The formula is (Td=2*pi*L*Re)/abs(V) from above, bud I need V, so this should be easy

The current density for the ring current: I actually have no idea, maybe a hint from you guys?

thanks!
There seems to be some missing information in the problem statement. The B-field is missing, but later one indicates the Earth's magnetic field. The particle density is 5 cm-3. How did one determine L = 5?

Please show the source of the equations, and please show one's work.

I think the problem concerns the "ring current" in the Earth's atmosphere, but the stated energies are rather low.
http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/plasma/Plasmahtml/node23.html
 
Last edited:

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