Earth's lower atmosphere contains negative and positive ions that are produced by radioactive elements in the soil and cosmic rays from space. In a certain region, the atmospheric electric field strength is 92.7 V/m and the field is directed vertically down. This field causes singly charged positive ions, at a density of 702 cm3, to drift downward and singly charged negative ions, at a density of 432 cm3, to drift upward (see the figure). The measured conductivity of the air in that region is 3.53 x 1014 (0-m) 1. Calculate (a) the magnitude of the current density and (b) the ion drift speed, assumed to be the same for positive and negative ions. (a) Number Units (b) Number Units >

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**Educational Resource: Understanding Ion Drift in Earth's Atmosphere**

Earth's lower atmosphere is composed of both negative and positive ions, produced by radioactive elements in the soil and cosmic rays from space. In a specific region, the atmospheric electric field strength is 92.7 V/m, directed vertically downward. This field causes singly charged positive ions, at a density of 702 cm\(^{-3}\), to drift downward, and singly charged negative ions, at a density of 432 cm\(^{-3}\), to drift upward, as depicted in the figure.

The measured conductivity of the air in that region is 3.53 × 10\(^{-14}\) (Ω-m)\(^{-1}\). We are tasked with calculating:
- **(a)** the magnitude of the current density, and
- **(b)** the ion drift speed, assuming it is the same for both positive and negative ions.

**Diagram Explanation:**

The diagram illustrates the behavior of ions in the electric field:
- Positively charged ions (indicated by red circles with a '+' sign) are shown moving downward.
- Negatively charged ions (indicated by red circles with a '-' sign) are moving upward.
- An electric field vector \(\vec{E}\) is shown pointing downward between two trees, representing the direction of the field.

**Calculation Inputs:**
- **(a) Number:** *(Placeholder for the calculated current density)*
- **(a) Units:** *(Placeholder for units of current density)*
- **(b) Number:** *(Placeholder for the calculated ion drift speed)*
- **(b) Units:** *(Placeholder for units of ion drift speed)*

These calculations are essential to understanding the dynamics of ions under the influence of an electric field in the Earth's atmosphere, which can influence various atmospheric phenomena.
Transcribed Image Text:**Educational Resource: Understanding Ion Drift in Earth's Atmosphere** Earth's lower atmosphere is composed of both negative and positive ions, produced by radioactive elements in the soil and cosmic rays from space. In a specific region, the atmospheric electric field strength is 92.7 V/m, directed vertically downward. This field causes singly charged positive ions, at a density of 702 cm\(^{-3}\), to drift downward, and singly charged negative ions, at a density of 432 cm\(^{-3}\), to drift upward, as depicted in the figure. The measured conductivity of the air in that region is 3.53 × 10\(^{-14}\) (Ω-m)\(^{-1}\). We are tasked with calculating: - **(a)** the magnitude of the current density, and - **(b)** the ion drift speed, assuming it is the same for both positive and negative ions. **Diagram Explanation:** The diagram illustrates the behavior of ions in the electric field: - Positively charged ions (indicated by red circles with a '+' sign) are shown moving downward. - Negatively charged ions (indicated by red circles with a '-' sign) are moving upward. - An electric field vector \(\vec{E}\) is shown pointing downward between two trees, representing the direction of the field. **Calculation Inputs:** - **(a) Number:** *(Placeholder for the calculated current density)* - **(a) Units:** *(Placeholder for units of current density)* - **(b) Number:** *(Placeholder for the calculated ion drift speed)* - **(b) Units:** *(Placeholder for units of ion drift speed)* These calculations are essential to understanding the dynamics of ions under the influence of an electric field in the Earth's atmosphere, which can influence various atmospheric phenomena.
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