Plasma Physics

3.

Single Particle Motion in Fields

3.1.

Motion in Uniform Electric Fields

3.1.1.

Equations of Motion

3.1.2.

Particle Trajectories

3.1.3.

Energy Considerations

3.1.4.

Acceleration and Drift

3.2.

Motion in Uniform Magnetic Fields

3.2.1.

Lorentz Force Analysis

3.2.2.

Cyclotron Motion

3.2.2.1.

3.2.2.2.

3.2.2.3.

Cyclotron Period

3.2.3.

3.2.3.1.

3.2.3.2.

Parallel and Perpendicular Velocity Components

3.3.

Motion in Combined E and B Fields

3.3.1.

3.3.1.1.

Derivation and Physical Interpretation

3.3.1.2.

Independence of Particle Properties

3.3.2.

3.3.3.

Trochoid Trajectories

3.4.

Motion in Non-Uniform Fields

3.4.1.

Guiding Center Theory

3.4.1.1.

Assumptions and Validity

3.4.1.2.

Guiding Center Equations

3.4.2.

Gradient Drifts

3.4.2.1.

3.4.2.2.

Curvature Drift

3.4.2.3.

Combined Gradient-Curvature Drift

3.4.3.

Time-Varying Field Drifts

3.4.3.1.

Polarization Drift

3.4.3.2.

3.4.4.

Gravitational and Centrifugal Drifts

3.5.

Adiabatic Invariants

3.5.1.

First Adiabatic Invariant

3.5.1.1.

Magnetic Moment Conservation

3.5.1.2.

Magnetic Mirror Effect

3.5.1.3.

Mirror Ratio and Loss Cone

3.5.2.

Second Adiabatic Invariant

3.5.2.1.

Longitudinal Invariant

3.5.2.2.

3.5.2.3.

Trapped and Passing Particles

3.5.3.

Third Adiabatic Invariant

3.5.3.1.

Flux Conservation

3.5.3.2.

3.5.3.3.

Radiation Belt Dynamics

3.6.

Particle Trapping and Confinement

3.6.1.

Magnetic Mirrors

3.6.1.1.

Simple Mirror Geometry

3.6.1.2.

Mirror Loss Mechanisms

3.6.2.

3.6.3.

3.6.4.

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2. Mathematical Foundations

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4. Kinetic Theory of Plasmas