Plasma is nothing, but gas with charged particles. Ionization of gas occurs when an electric field is applied on the gas. This plasma shows unusual properties, thus making it the fourth state of matter. Plasma has equal number of positive and negative particles. These particles react with other forms of positive and negative particles to become ionized or excited. These ionized particles are usually found near strong magnetic fields like the Earth's poles as they get attracted towards the field.
Common Plasmas
A gas is converted into plasma either by applying high voltages of current, or by exposing it in extremely high temperatures. Fire, Plasma Televesions, Neon beam instruments and even the Sun are all matters but in plasma state. Lightning is an example of plasma on Earth's surface. People even don't know that these things are plasmas and properties of this are commonly misunderstood.
History
Plasma was first identified by Sir William Crookes in 1879 and called it a type of Radiant Matter. Then in 1928, Irving Langmuir coined the term "Plasma" and this new matter was given that name.
Natural Phenomeneon - Aurora
A natural phenomenon Aurora, is also caused by plasma, which is ejected from the sun through solar winds. When these winds reach the magnetic field of the earth, the particles move towards the poles. When these come in contact with the charged particles in the Earth's atmosphere, they become ionized or excited. When these are accelerated towards the poles, these excited particles release tiny bags of energy or photons, which emit light and cause Auroras.
Now, see the following video by University of Michigan Professor Alec Gallimore describing the fourth state of matter and explains why it's important.
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Article by - M.Santosh
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