The problem of deriving accurate long‐wavelength approximations of a particular dispersion equation for electromagnetic waves in a magnetized plasma is examined. Because the dispersion equation includes dependence upon external parameters, the approximation obtained by straightforward expansion is invalid in certain cases. An accurate approximation is derived in these cases by a modified expansion technique. Although only one specific practical problem is studied here, this example involves and exhibits general techniques that have broad application in related problems. Some features of long‐wavelength low‐frequency waves in a magnetized high‐temperature plasma are illustrated.
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© 1979 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1979
American Association of Physics Teachers
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