The differences between plasma and ionized gas

In summary, plasma and ionized gas are closely related, with ionization being necessary for plasma to exist. The degree of ionization is determined by temperature and can even occur in gases with low ionization levels. However, it is also possible for a gas inside a closed conducting container to become ionized by adding or removing charge, without temperature related effects.
  • #1
stzdd
1
0
what are the differences between plasma and ionized gas?
Thanks
 
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  • #2
Ionized gas is one example of a plasma. The interior of the sun is another example.
 
  • #3
from Wikipedia:

For plasma to exist, ionization is necessary. The term "plasma density" by itself usually refers to the "electron density", that is, the number of free electrons per unit volume. The degree of ionization of a plasma is the proportion of atoms that have lost or gained electrons, and is controlled mostly by the temperature. Even a partially ionized gas in which as little as 1% of the particles are ionized can have the characteristics of a plasma (i.e., response to magnetic fields and high electrical conductivity). The degree of ionization, α, is defined as α = ni/(ni + na) where ni is the number density of ions and na is the number density of neutral atoms. The electron density is related to this by the average charge state <Z> of the ions through ne = <Z> ni where ne is the number density of electrons.
 
  • #4
Couldn't a gas inside a closed conducting container be ionized by adding or removing charge from the container (and the enclosed gas) without requiring temperature related effects?
 
  • #5
interesting question by rcgldr , i too would love to hear the answer:)
 

1. What is the main difference between plasma and ionized gas?

The main difference between plasma and ionized gas is their state of matter. Plasma is the fourth state of matter, while ionized gas is the third state. Plasma consists of neutral atoms, ions, and free electrons, while ionized gas only has ions and free electrons.

2. How are plasma and ionized gas created?

Plasma is created by heating a gas or subjecting it to a strong electromagnetic field, causing the atoms to break apart and release free electrons. Ionized gas is created by removing electrons from the atoms through collisions with other particles or by exposure to strong radiation.

3. Can plasma and ionized gas exist at the same time?

Yes, plasma and ionized gas can coexist in the same space. In fact, ionized gas is often considered a subset of plasma, as it is a type of plasma that only contains positive ions and free electrons.

4. What are some applications of plasma and ionized gas?

Plasma and ionized gas have various industrial, medical, and scientific applications. Plasma is used in technologies such as plasma TVs, fluorescent lights, and plasma cutting tools. Ionized gas is used in fluorescent lamps, neon signs, and ion thrusters for spacecraft propulsion.

5. Are there any similarities between plasma and ionized gas?

Yes, there are some similarities between plasma and ionized gas. Both contain free electrons and can conduct electricity, and both are influenced by magnetic fields. They also have similar properties, such as being able to emit light and being highly reactive.

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