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Questions about plasma

Physics Asked by Brian Ghilliotti on December 13, 2020

Imagine if you were to heat liquid mercury until it reaches a plasma state. Would it be possible to completely separate the free electrons (ions) from the positively charged nuclei (cations)? Next, how would a pure ion plasma react to the presence of (a) an electrical field and (b) a magnetic field? Also, how would the pure cation plasma react to the presence of (c) an electrical field and (d) a magnetic field? Thanks. Brian Ghilliotti

One Answer

As was already said by @honestre_vivere in the comment, it is definitely possible to fully ionize your ions, you "just" need to apply enough energy. In fusion plasmas, for example, even high-Z elements are often fully ionized (and can lead to significant losses via bremsstrahlung-radiation, and this is why high-Z impurities are to be avoided in a fusion plasma).

The second part of your question deals with non-neutral plasmas. They do exist and are studied in the lab. Compared to neutral plasmas ("normal" plasmas) they are actually very easy to confine with static electric (and magnetic) fields. Penning traps provide an efficient and easy way to confine them.

Answered by Alf on December 13, 2020

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