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Plasma is a distinct phase of matter, often referred to as an ionized gas. It is abundant in the universe and can be found in everyday contexts. Plasmas vary widely and can be classified by parameters such as ionization, temperature, and density. Plasma phenomena can be observed with a plasma ball, and it can be contained by magnetic fields and made very hot. In the future, superheated plasmas may be used for nuclear fusion reactions to produce energy.
Plasma is a phase of matter distinct from solids, liquids and gases. It is the most abundant phase of matter in the universe; both stars and interstellar dust consist of it. Although it is its phase of matter, it is often referred to as an ionized gas. This is similar to a normal gas, except that the electrons have been stripped from their respective nucleons and are floating freely within the material. Even if only 1% of the atoms have lost their electrons, a gas will exhibit plasma-like behavior.
Electrically conductive and capable of being manipulated by magnetic fields, plasma can be found in a variety of everyday contexts, including televisions, fluorescent lamps, neon signs, photolithography machines, flames, lightning, aurora borealis, tesla coils, and more Still.
Plasmas vary widely. Some parameters used for their classification are the degree of ionization, the temperature, the density of the magnetic field and the density of the particles. For example, the gas in a candle flame is only slightly ionized, while the air in the path of a lightning bolt is highly ionized. Some forms are very cold, such as the intergalactic medium, while others are very hot, such as the center of a star.
Unlike gases, which are composed of neutral atoms, charged plasmas have distinct constituents that behave on their own. Free electrons are negatively charged, while nuclei, devoid of electrons, are positively charged ions. Most plasmas still contain whole atoms which are also electrically neutral. Since each of these components can behave differently in response to changes in external and internal conditions, a variety of complex wave phenomena can emerge.
Plasma phenomena can be observed safely at home with the use of a plasma ball. This device operates an electric field through a charged gas contained within a glass globe. When a person touches the edge of the globe, the ionized gas responds by sending visible filaments to the person’s finger, demonstrating the tendency of an electric charge to “ground”. Complex patterns and fractals can be seen inside the ball.
Because plasma can be contained by magnetic fields, it can be made very hot without diffusing the heat into a surrounding medium. Those measuring millions of degrees Kelvin have been produced in special devices called tokamak reactors. In the not too distant future, people may be using superheated plasmas on a regular basis to start nuclear fusion reactions that produce large amounts of energy.
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