Plasmas

The Physics Hypertextbook™
© 1998-2008 by Glenn Elert -- A Work in Progress
All Rights Reserved -- Fair Use Encouraged

prev | up | next

Discussion

low density and high temperature prevents electrons from returning to their homes

plasmas on earth

lightning bolts and other sparks (Jacob's Ladder)
meteorite trails
spacecraft on reentry (blackout period)
"For several minutes during a descent, the heat is so intense that every molecule surrounding the space capsule becomes ionized, cloaking the astronauts in a temporary plasma barrier that none of our communication signals can penetrate. This is the infamous blackout period, when the craft is aglow and Mission Control knows nothing of the astronauts' well-being. The craft continues to slow down as it plows through the atmosphere. Along the way the temperature drops, the air gets denser, and the plasma state can no longer be sustained. The electrons go back home to their atoms, and communication is quickly restored."
ionosphere
AM and SW bounce off, FM and higher pass right through
aurora

plasmas comprise 99.99% (um, verify please) of the visible matter of the universe

stars"
This marriage of plasma and magnetic field is a major feature of the sun's eleven-year cycle of activity. The plasma near the sun's equator rotates slightly faster than the plasma near it's poles. This differential is bad news for the sun's complexion. With the sun's magnetic field frozen into its plasma, the field gets stretched and twisted. Sunspots, flares, prominences, and other solar blemishes come and go as the gnarly magnetic field punches through the sun's surface, carrying solar plasma along with it."
nebulae

man-made plasmas

prev | up | next

Another quality webpage by

Glenn Elert