Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
The measured force exerted on an ion flow by an electric field is found to be larger than the electric force that can be exerted if the ions are collisionless. In addition, the increase of the gas pressure is found to result in an increase of the electric force despite a simultaneous decrease of the deposited electric power. Employing a simple model, we argue that these experimental findings result from the electric force being felt by the ions for a longer time, their residence time in the acceleration region is increased due to their slowing-down collisions with neutrals.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Makrinich et al. (2009) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: