What is plasma?

Question

Plasma is "the fourth state of matter" but i want to go into more detail.

Answer 1

In physics and chemistry, a plasma is typically an ionized gas, and is usually considered to be a distinct state of matter in contrast to gases because of its unique properties. "Ionized" means that at least one electron has been dissociated from, or added to, a proportion of the atoms or molecules. The free electric charges make the plasma electrically conductive so that it responds strongly to electromagnetic fields.

Answer 2

The fourth state of matter (plasma) is the state of matter when it is ionised. That is, very simply - the atomic structure has broken so that the electrons are no longer bound to their nucleii.
In this state it resembles a gas and has some very inetersting properties. It's also useful on magnetohydrodynamincs.

You definately don't want to go near a stream of the stuff. It's not nice and friendly like the Star Trek people make out.

Answer 3

Just to add some random information, plasma is also in plasma TV's, hence the name plasma TV.

Answer 4

Plasma, matter broken into solids, liquids + gas.

Try http://www.plamaccoalition.org/what.htm

Answer 5

Three states of matter with which we are all familiar are:

solid: e.g. ice
liquid: e.g water
gas: eg water vapour - or vapor if you're from the US :-)

Plasma is matter in an ionised gaseous form. One example would be the visible electric arc in lightning.

Answer 6

Plasma is what you get when you strip the electrons away from the atoms. As far as I know it primarily exists in hot environments such as the sun--but in other places as well.

Answer 7

Plasma is the liquid part of blood in which the cells are suspended.

Answer 8

It's an ionized gas.

I think this link will help

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_%28physics%29