Plasmas!!!
Quick Physics: A plasma is a gas that has been heated to extremely
high temperatures. At these high temperatures, the atoms are moving so
fast that they loose their electrons, so we get ionized
particles. Like charges repel, so electrons don't want to be near
each other. Likewise, the positive ions don't want to be near each
other. In each of these demonstrations (and in other plasmas like
lightning), we see the electrons and ionized particles jumping from one
place to another to try and get as far away from each other as possible.
The Details:
The plasma ball is a small Tesla coil. Inside the glass globe is a
partial vacuum. This just means that some of the air has been sucked
out. Because there is not as much air in there, it is easier to make
electric sparks that can be seen. The electrons then travel out into
the air from the glass ball. We know this because the plasma ball
lights up the light bulb, just like the big Tesla coil. If you touch
the plasma ball, all of the electrons will go through you to the
ground. You see only one big spark inside the ball where you put your
hand. If you touch it long enough, you get filled with electrons and
can light up a light bulb!
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Link to Teacher Resources
Page Updated 8/29/07
