Equations · equation
Alfvén Velocity
Magnetohydrodynamics · 1942
- Equation
- v_A = B / √(μ₀·ρ)
- Field
- Magnetohydrodynamics
- Named After
- Hannes Alfvén
- Symbols
- v_A speed of magnetic waves along the field · B magnetic field strength · μ₀ permeability of free space · ρ fluid density
- Year
- 1942
Significance
Magnetic field lines behave like plucked strings under tension, carrying waves at this speed — an idea so strange it was ignored until Fermi nodded at a seminar. Alfvén waves thread the solar wind and corona, and the 1970 Nobel followed.
Referenced by
constant
equation
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