PLASMA OSCILLATION

in physics, the organized motion of electrons or ions in a plasma. Each particle in a plasma assumes positions such that the total force resulting from all the particles is zero, thus producing a uniform neutral-charge state. If an electron is moved from its equilibrium position, the equilibrium position itself takes on a positive charge and exerts an electrostatic attraction on the electron, causing the electron to oscillate about its equilibrium position. Because the interaction between electrons is strong, they will oscillate collectively at a characteristic frequency depending upon the nature of the particular plasma.