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Plasma

Short answer: Plasma is often called the fourth state of matter, after solid, liquid and gas. It forms when a gas is energized enough, by heat or a strong electric field, that electrons are stripped from atoms, leaving a mix of free electrons and positive ions.

Because it contains free charges, plasma conducts electricity and responds strongly to magnetic fields. It makes up most of the ordinary visible matter in the universe, including stars like the Sun. On Earth it appears in lightning, auroras, neon and fluorescent lights, and some flames. Plasma physics underpins fusion research and industrial uses such as chip etching. The footage shows plasma balls, lightning, lamps and flames.

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In collections:Everyday Physics

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What should you know about Plasma?

Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.

  1. Plasma is called the fourth state of matter.

    DD-113-F01 · Write-up · Exhibit A (Fourth state)

  2. Electrons are stripped from atoms, leaving ions.

    DD-113-F02 · Write-up · Exhibit B (Ionized)

Video transcript: Plasma: Most Visible Matter in the Universe Is Plasma

Plasma is often referred to as the fourth state of matter. DID YOU KNOW? While most people are familiar with the three common states of matter, solid, liquid, and gas, plasma represents a unique and less commonly encountered state. Plasma is essentially a hot ionized gas where the electrons have been stripped from resulting in a mix of free electrons and positively charged ions. Due to its high energy state, plasma exhibits unique properties such as the ability to conduct electricity and respond to magnetic fields. Plasma is abundant in the universe, making up the majority of visible matter in stars, including our sun. Lightning, fluorescent lights, and certain types of flames are examples of plasma here on earth. Studying and harnessing of plasma is crucial in fields such as astrophysics, fusion research, and plasma technology applications. NOW YOU KNOW!

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Plasma: Most Visible Matter in the Universe Is Plasma Instagram Reel · · 42.8s

The write-up

Most visible matter in the universe is plasma. Stars, lightning and neon signs are all plasma.

  1. Exhibit A

    Fourth state

    Plasma is called the fourth state of matter.

  2. Exhibit B

    Ionized

    Electrons are stripped from atoms, leaving ions.

  3. Exhibit C

    Conducts

    It conducts electricity and responds to magnetic fields.

  4. Exhibit D

    Stars

    Most visible ordinary matter, including stars, is plasma.

  5. Exhibit E

    On Earth

    Lightning and fluorescent lights contain plasma.

Questions people ask about Plasma

What is plasma often called?

After solid, liquid and gas.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Fourth state) · Wikipedia: Plasma (physics)

What happens to atoms in plasma?

Leaving ions.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Ionized) · Wikipedia: Plasma (physics)

What can plasma conduct?

It has free charges.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Conducts) · Wikipedia: Plasma (physics)

Which of these is plasma?

Stars are plasma.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Stars) · Wikipedia: Plasma (physics)

Which Earth example contains plasma?

Also neon lights.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (On Earth) · Wikipedia: Plasma (physics)

Test Your Knowledge

All quizzes →

5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.

  1. What is plasma often called?

    1. The fourth state of matter
    2. A liquid
    3. A solid
    4. A vacuum
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. The fourth state of matter After solid, liquid and gas. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Fourth state) · Wikipedia: Plasma (physics)

  2. What happens to atoms in plasma?

    1. Electrons are stripped
    2. They freeze
    3. They vanish
    4. They merge
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Electrons are stripped Leaving ions. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Ionized) · Wikipedia: Plasma (physics)

  3. What can plasma conduct?

    1. Electricity
    2. Nothing
    3. Only heat
    4. Only sound
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Electricity It has free charges. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Conducts) · Wikipedia: Plasma (physics)

  4. Which of these is plasma?

    1. The Sun
    2. Ice
    3. Water
    4. Granite
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. The Sun Stars are plasma. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Stars) · Wikipedia: Plasma (physics)

  5. Which Earth example contains plasma?

    1. Lightning
    2. Rain
    3. Snow
    4. Sand
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Lightning Also neon lights. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (On Earth) · Wikipedia: Plasma (physics)

Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Plasma." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-113, last updated Dec 9, 2023. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/plasma/

Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/plasma/ · Last updated

Markdown version

Cite a single fact by its ID, for example DD-113-F01 → https://detailenjoyer.com/case/plasma/#DD-113-F01

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