(Solved): 4. (Elaboration on Problem 14.1 in Hill and Peterson) An electrostatic thruster is to use a propel ...

4. (Elaboration on Problem 14.1 in Hill and Peterson) An electrostatic thruster is to use a propellant with a charge-to-mass ratio, q/m, of 500 Coulombs/kg to produce a specific impulse, Isp of 3000 sec. (a) What is the voltage difference, Va, that is required to achieve this acceleration of particles for the given Isp? (b) What is the limiting current, j, for this beam of ions if the maximum allowable voltage gradient across the electrodes is Va/L 105 V/cm? = = (c) If the ion beam produces a thrust of T 0.5 N, then what is the diameter of the ion beam?