Can anions exist in plasma? unionised - 12-9-2015 at 10:55
Yes.annaandherdad - 12-9-2015 at 11:14
Plasmas are ionized gases that are large enough that collective effects are important (size greater than the Debye length). That's the usual
definition.
Usually plasmas are almost exactly neutral, with nearly the same number of positive and negative charges, because any overall charge imbalance would
lead to very large electric fields, which would cause large currents to flow which would neutralize the plasma. Plasmas of a single charge (all
electrons, for example) do exist, but the density is quite low, again because if it were not there would be extremely large electric fields.
Under different circumstances plasmas can consist of different types of positive and negative particles, although electrons are the usual negative
particles. The positive ones are usually atomic nuclei, or partially ionized atoms (with a positive charge). But it's also possible to have
electron-positron plasmas, and other examples. Astrophysicists worry about "dusty plasmas", in which dust particles also carry charge (in addition
to electrons and ions).morsagh - 12-9-2015 at 11:46
Isn´t it insignificant amount of anions compared to free electrons?morsagh - 12-9-2015 at 12:09
And what will carry negative charge in plasma generated by electric current. Will it be mostly anions or free electrons?aga - 12-9-2015 at 14:06
Pixie dust is good stuff.
Google would likely reveal a better answer.
What exactly are you asking about/wishing to Do ?IrC - 12-9-2015 at 16:16
And what will carry negative charge in plasma generated by electric current. Will it be mostly anions or free electrons?
I think studying the subject of charge to mass ratio would make the answer quite obvious. If you compare the various mobilities involved it should
answer your question.
