Plasma
What is Plasma?
Plasma is a high-energy state of matter consisting of a gas of ions and free electrons, not bound into atoms. It is sometimes called the fourth state of matter. Plasma forms when a gas is heated to extremely high temperatures or exposed to strong electromagnetic fields. Stars (including the Sun), lightning, fluorescent lamps, and plasma TVs all involve plasma. Plasma makes up the majority of visible matter in the universe.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Plasma is a high-energy state of matter consisting of a gas of ions and free electrons, not bound into atoms. It is sometimes called the fourth state of matter. Plasma forms when a gas is heated to extremely high temperatures or exposed to strong electromagnetic fields. Stars (including the Sun), lightning, fluorescent lamps, and plasma TVs all involve plasma. Plasma makes up the majority of visible matter in the universe.