Calculate the speed of Alfven waves in a magnetized plasma.
Plasma Parameters
Calculation Results
Enter parameters to calculate
Quick Reference
vAAlfven Velocity
BMagnetic Field Strength
μ₀Permeability of Free Space
ρPlasma Mass Density
Overview
Alfvén waves are low-frequency oscillations of ions and magnetic fields in a plasma. The Alfvén velocity (vA) is the speed at which these waves propagate along magnetic field lines.
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Pro Tips
The velocity depends on the magnetic field strength and the inertia of the plasma (density).
In the solar corona, Alfvén speeds can reach hundreds or thousands of km/s.
The formula assumes a non-relativistic plasma and no displacement current.
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Fun Facts
"Alfvén waves are named after Hannes Alfvén, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1970 for his work on magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)."
"These waves are believed to play a major role in heating the Sun's corona to millions of degrees."
"Alfvén waves also occur in the Earth's magnetosphere, creating beautiful auroras."
