Mass and energy balance in the 1973 August 9 flare

The mass and energy balance of the thermal plasma during the decay phase of the solar flare of August 9, 1973, are studied. The analysis is based on observationally determined values for the differential emission measure, density, turbulent and bulk velocities, and physical dimensions. The total particle content and total thermal energy content of the flare plasmas with temperatures above 100,000 K and their variation with time are calculated. The particle loss and the energy losses through radiation, conduction, and convection are evaluated. The decrease in total particle content can be accounted for by the convective losses through the loop footprints at 100,000 K. Radiation is the dominant energy loss mechanism although convective losses at 100,000 K can be important. Conductive losses at 100,000 K into cooler chromospheric material appear to be negligible. The decrease in the total energy content during the decay phase is equal to the sum of the energy losses over the period of observation. No requirement is found for continued heating during the decay phase.