ELECTRON ENERGY BALANCE IN A LOW-TEMPERATURE WEAKLY IONIZED PLASMA.

Diffusion cooling of the electron gases in an afterglow is discussed. It is shown that diffusion cooling is governed by the ambipolar electric field in the plasma column, which retards electrons, and by the potential drop at the walls. The effect is described by the hydrodynamic equations. The results are discussed qualitatively and compared with experimental data. Diffusion cooling is governed primarily by the work performed by the electrons in opposing the ambipolar forces in the plasma column. Diffusion cooling can be important in the electron energy balance both in the afterglow and in a gas discharge.