Plasma Ball Demonstration

Driving Question: How does an electromagnetic field stimulate an electric apparatus without physical contact?

Introduction:

In this project I will be demonstrating what happens when you approach a container filled with a noble gas to a plasma ball. A plasma ball is a small Tesla coil in a glass ball that is filled with a mixture of nobles gases.

Materials:

• Two plasma balls.

• A neon wand.

• A helium wand.

Procedure:

1. Put your two plasma balls side by side so that they are touching each other.

2. Touch the metal end of the neon wand to the plasma ball.

3. Watch how it lights up.

4. Touch the metal end of the helium wand to the plasma ball.

5. Watch how it lights up.

Scientific Principle:

This project shows how electromagnetic waves are able to accelerate particles and produce energy. The plasma ball itself has a large oscillating voltage at its center oscillating at a rate of about 30 Hz. The noble gases' low density helps conduct electricity better than normal air. Because of this, one can see the discharge of the current going from the center to the glass glove. They do this because the energy wants to travel back down to the earth, but is stopped short by the glass. When a person touches the glass globe, that person creates an "attractive" path to travel down to the earth. This is why when you touch a plasma ball, the rays are attracted to your hand. The current inside creates a small electromagnetic field outside of the globe. When you bring the tubes close to the dome, the electrons inside are accelerated, and the small metal part f it helps constitute an electric current. This is why the tubes light up when you press their respective metal parts against the glass dome.

Plasma Balls

Neon Wand(Top) and Helium Wand (Bottom)

A quick demonstration of what you should do.

A chart of how alternating current works over time. (Alternating Current. N.d. Photograph. BBCWeb. 14 Nov 2013. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/standard/physics/images/waveform2.gif>.)