Ionized Air Flowing Through A Magnetic Field

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential acceleration of ionized air when passing through a magnetic field, similar to the concept of a rail-gun. The idea is that the walls of the device would create an oppositely charged field, causing the air to accelerate and create a faster stream of air. This concept is used in particle accelerators and mass spectrometry.
  • #1
aseylys
22
0
So I'm going to try to explain this as best as I can.

If you have ionized air created by the Ion Air Jet (link below) and it flows through a magnetic field, will the air accelerate?

I'm trying to think if this would have rail-gun/air-gun hybrid attributes. Like as the walls of a device create an oppositely charged field to that of the ionized air, the air should accelerate out creating a faster stream of air than that when it went in. Like in a rail-gun, the magnetic field pushes the metal object out though the path with the least resistance.

Can anyone lend some thoughts?
 
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  • #2
If you have ionized air created by the Ion Air Jet (link below) and it flows through a magnetic field, will the air accelerate?
Yes - it will change direction due to unbalanced force vxB.
I'm trying to think if this would have rail-gun/air-gun hybrid attributes. [...] accelerate out creating a faster stream of air than that when it went in.
... yep - the effect is used in some particle accelerators - look up "cyclotron".
 
  • #3

Related to Ionized Air Flowing Through A Magnetic Field

1. What is ionized air?

Ionized air is air that has been electrically charged, typically by gaining or losing electrons. This creates a mixture of positively and negatively charged particles, known as ions.

2. How does air become ionized?

Air can become ionized through a variety of processes, such as exposure to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, friction, or electrical discharge. For example, lightning is a natural source of ionized air.

3. What is a magnetic field?

A magnetic field is an area of space surrounding a magnet or electric current in which a magnetic force can be detected. It is created by the movement of electric charges and can affect the behavior of other electrically charged particles.

4. How does ionized air interact with a magnetic field?

When ionized air flows through a magnetic field, the charged particles in the air experience a force called the Lorentz force. This force causes the particles to move in a circular or spiral path, depending on their charge and the orientation of the magnetic field.

5. What are the potential applications of ionized air flowing through a magnetic field?

This phenomenon has potential uses in a variety of industries, such as in air purification systems, particle accelerators, and even in spacecraft propulsion. It can also be used to study the behavior of particles in controlled environments, aiding in scientific research and development.

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