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What is Plasma?

May 10, 2007

Plasma is a special form of matter, which is unique from solid, liquid and gaseous states of matter. Although plasmas have a few common, fundamental properties with gases like indefinite volume and size, they significantly differ from gases by their electrical properties. A typical gas, like air, is electrically neutral, as the number of positive charged particles and negative charged particles in their atoms are equal in number. However, when a source of energy like heat or electricity is introduced into this state of equilibrium, it makes some or all negative particles (electrons) get loose, added or lost, thus making the gas ionized or electrically charged. It is the degree of ionization which actually determines the state of plasma. Thus, plasma refers to an ionized gas with unique properties like good electrical conductivity and their strong interactive nature in the electromagnetic fields.

In fact, plasma is everywhere in this visible universe in the form of dust or clouds which fill up the interstellar space. Not necessary to mention, our sun is also composed of gases, which are in plasma state caused by constant nuclear fusion. The lightning on the sky, which we see at thunderous nights, is another common example of electro-magnetic activity of gases in the state of plasma.

Plasma has a wide range of applications in the present world. For example, neon signs and fluorescent lamps use noble gases like argon, neon, and xenon, which become plasmas when the electric current is passed in the tubes containing these gases.

The best application of plasma that enhances our life style in the modern culture is the Plasma display Panel (PDP), which made very large display screens possible for the wonderful, digital devices like High Definition Television (HDTV). Nowadays, Plasma display Panels are replacing rear projectors in business and commercial places due to their advantages like slim design, big screen size and wide viewing angle.

Written by Plasma Pundit · Filed Under Articles 

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