Alfvén Wave
A fundamental magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) wave in which ions in a magnetized plasma oscillate in response to magnetic field line tension.
Governing formula
v_A = B / √(μ₀ ρ_plasma)
SI unit
m/s (Alfvén Velocity)
In depth
Discovered by Hannes Alfvén (Nobel Prize 1970). Propagates along magnetic field lines like transverse vibrations on a plucked string, transporting magnetic energy through space and fusion plasmas without net charge displacement.
Examples in the real world
Transporting thermal energy to heat the solar corona to millions of degrees Kelvin.