Plasma

Plasma is one of the four fundamental states of matter, and was first identified by chemist Irving Langmuir in the 1920s. It consists of a gas of ions – atoms which have some of their orbital electrons removed – and free electrons.

Properties

Plasma does not have a definite shape or volume. Unlike gases, plasmas are electrically conductive, produce magnetic fields and electric currents, and respond strongly to electromagnetic forces. Positively charged nuclei swim in a "sea" of freely-moving disassociated electrons, similar to the way such charges exist in conductive metal.

Types of Plasmas

There are different types of plasmas which include Astrophysical plasma, Industrial plasma, Plasma (physics) and Plasma (blood). Each of these plasmas have unique properties and uses.

Applications

Plasma has a number of applications in various fields. In Physics, it is used in Plasma physics, Plasma display, Plasma lamp, Plasma window, Plasma torch, Plasma antenna, Plasma propulsion engine, Plasma globe, and Plasma oscillation. In Medicine, it is used in Blood plasma, Plasma cell, Plasma display, Plasma B cell, Plasma protein, Plasma membrane, Plasma cell dyscrasia, Plasma cell leukemia, Plasma cell myeloma, and Plasma cell cheilitis.

See also

• List of plasma (physics) articles
• Plasma sources
• Plasma stability
• Plasma parameters
• Plasma scaling

External links

• What is Plasma?
• Plasma (state of matter) on Britannica

Plasma Resources
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