Plasma
Plasma is often called the fourth state of matter, alongside solid, liquid, and gas. It consists of ionized gas containing free electrons and ions.
Definition
Section titled “Definition”Plasma is a state of matter in which atoms have been stripped of some or all of their electrons, resulting in a mixture of positively charged ions and negatively charged electrons. This ionized gas can conduct electricity and respond to electromagnetic fields.
Characteristics
Section titled “Characteristics”- Electrically conductive
- Responds to magnetic and electric fields
- Exhibits collective behavior
- Can reach extremely high temperatures (millions of degrees Celsius in fusion devices)
Role in Fusion
Section titled “Role in Fusion”In nuclear fusion, plasma is the medium in which fusion reactions occur. The plasma must be heated to temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius for the nuclei to overcome their electrostatic repulsion and fuse.
Related Terms
Section titled “Related Terms”- Confinement - How plasma is contained
- Tokamak - A device for confining plasma
- Stellarator - Another plasma confinement approach
- Fusion Reaction - What happens inside the plasma