Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2006 / iii / Paper 70 / 4 / d

For $k_y=0$, the minimized energy density from part (c) isIf the bracket is nonnegative throughout, this density and the omitted pressure square are nonnegative for every displacement, so there is no negative-energy trial. Conversely, a strict negative value at a point of a smooth equilibrium persists in a small interval. Choose a nonzero smooth ${\xi }_z$ supported there, set ${\xi }_y=0$, and choose ${\xi }_x$ as in part (c). This makes the pressure square zero and gives a strictly negative integral. Therefore the localized interchange criterion for a magnetized atmosphere isThese disturbances interchange flux tubes without along-field variation; both gas and magnetic pressure contribute to their effective compressional stiffness. Equality alone is marginal and does not give a negative energy integral.