Overview
Plasma is often called the fourth state of matter, as it has properties different from all the other states. Most of the matter contained in stars, interstellar clouds, and other features of the observable universe is in the plasma state.
Definition
A plasma is a very hot ionized gas that is made up of roughly equal numbers of positively charged particles such as protons and negatively charged particles such as electrons. While atoms in the other states of matter contain their nuclei and their electrons, the energy in plasma is so high that the electrons are stripped away from atomic nuclei. That energy can come from very high temperatures, electrical or magnetic current, or intense ultraviolet or laser light. The free electrons are able to move throughout the ionized plasma. The plasma state is different from the gaseous state in several ways, as plasma has very high electrical conductivity while gases do not; electrons, ions, neutrons, and protons all behave differently in plasma, while gas particles are atoms and molecules; and plasma waves can be organized into motion so that particles behave as a collection.
Aurora and Lightning
Some of the most common natural forms of plasma include the Northern Lights (also called aurora) and lightning. The auroras consist of ionized gases that are excited by the magnetic field around planet Earth. The sudden flashing light of lightning is caused when the electric current superheats the gases in the atmosphere, creating a channel of ionized plasma.
Plasma in the Universe
Scientists estimate that nearly all the matter in the observable universe is in the plasma state, either in the high temperatures and pressures in the core of stars, in interstellar clouds, and in many other features. The Sun and other stars are balls of plasma at temperatures high enough that nuclear reactions can occur. As stars are formed within interstellar clouds, plasma collects to begin nuclear fusion.
Applications
The plasma state of ionized gas is found in fluorescent light bulbs, neon signs, and plasma television sets. Gas is ionized by high-voltage electrical currents. However, due to production costs, most of the newer flat-screen TV sets use a different technology. Many of the highest-energy plasma states occur when subatomic particles are accelerated in controlled situations, such as the Large Hadron Collider.
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