Effect of a Magnetic Field on Thermal Conductivity of Partially Ionized Gases

The translational and reactive parts of thermal conductivity of a partially ionized solar magneto-plasma gas have been calculated based on Yun and Wyller's formulation (1972) along with Devoto's theory(1968). The computed results are presented as functions of temperature and pressure for given magnetic field strengths. The results of the calculations show that for most photospheric conditions the magnetic field does not play any important role in characterizing thermal properties of the ionized gas. However, when the gas pressure is low(e.g., P<10 dynes/$cm^2)$) the field becomes extremely effective even if its strength is quite small (e.g., B<0.1 gauss). The reactive part of the thermal transport is found to be very important when the gas is undertaking active ionization.