Plasma Frequency

Natural oscillation frequency of plasma electrons

Full Analysis

Intel Stream Decrypted

Plasma Frequency (ωp) is the natural oscillation frequency of electrons in a plasma. When electrons are displaced from their equilibrium positions, electrostatic forces create oscillations at this frequency. It depends on electron density: ωp = √(ne × e² / (ε₀ × me)). Waves below this frequency cannot propagate through plasma, which is why radio signals reflect off the ionosphere.

Strategic_Takeaway

"Plasma frequency determines what EM waves can pass through ionized regions."

Universal_Constants

formula

ωp = √(ne·e²/(ε₀·me))

ionosphere fp

~1-10 MHz