Plasma Ball in a Black Box

INTRODUCTION

Also called Plasma Globes, Plasma Lamps, Plasma Tubes, etc.

The technical name of this item is the Inert Gas Discharge Tube.

Plasma Balls are an item sold commonly as decorative items. Plasma balls demonstrate the physics concepts of heat/thermodynamics and nuclear physics.

MATERIALS

One Plasma Globe (store-bought)

SAFETY PROCEDURES

Follow normal safety procedures

PRINCIPLES BEHIND THE PLASMA BALL

What is Plasma?

Plasma is a state of matter that is similar to the gaseous state, except that certain portions of the particles are ionized. Examples of plasma are fire, neon signs, and can be found in stars.

The plasma inside of a Plasma Ball is formed by ionization of the noble gases within the glass ball using an electrode and electric current. The Plasma Ball is filled with a mixture of noble gases that turn different colors when charged with electricity.

Nuclear Physics and Thermodynamics/Heat

The plasma ball emits corona discharge and electric glow discharge. An electric glow discharge is a plasma that forms when electric currents pass through gases such as argon, kypton, etc. A Corona Discharge is similar, except that it does not arc to nearby objects.

Electrons in the electrode cause the plasma to turn different colors and, as stated under "What is Plasma?" ionize the gases to form plasma.