Plasma

Plasma is one of the four main states of matter. The others are solid, liquid, and gas. Plasma forms when a gas gets so hot that its atoms break apart. It glows and can carry electricity.

Where We Find Plasma

Plasma is actually the most common state of matter in the universe. Stars like our Sun are made of plasma. Lightning bolts are also plasma for a quick moment. On Earth, we can see plasma inside neon signs and fluorescent lights. Even the northern lights in the sky are a form of plasma.

How Plasma Works

To make plasma, you need to add a lot of energy to a gas. This energy knocks the electrons off the atoms. The charged bits then move around freely and make the plasma glow. Because of its charges, plasma can be shaped by magnets. Scientists study plasma to try to make clean energy.

Fun Facts

• The Sun is a giant ball of plasma.
• Plasma TVs used tiny pockets of plasma to make pictures.
• Plasma can reach temperatures of millions of degrees.

Did You Know?

More than 99 percent of all the matter we can see in the universe is plasma, not solid, liquid, or gas.