Is There a Difference Between Plasma and Plasmoid?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter phr34k
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the distinction between plasma and plasmoid, exploring definitions and characteristics of both concepts. Participants inquire about the nature of plasmoids and whether temperature is a defining factor.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks if there is a difference between plasma and plasmoid.
  • Another participant suggests that a plasmoid is simply a hot plasma ball.
  • A later reply questions the necessity of temperature for a plasmoid, citing examples like ball lightning that may not exhibit significant temperature.
  • There is mention of cohesion in plasmoids, indicating a potential characteristic that may differentiate them from standard plasma.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether temperature is a necessary condition for plasmoids, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific phenomena like ball lightning without reaching a consensus on definitions or characteristics, highlighting the ambiguity in the terms used.

phr34k
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is there a difference between plasma and plasmoid, if so what is it?

thanks for the help
phr
 
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If I'm not mistaken, a plasmoid is simply a hot plasma ball.
 
thanks that about answers it...

:]
 
Gokul43201 said:
If I'm not mistaken, a plasmoid is simply a hot plasma ball.
Are you sure that it has to be hot? I've heard 'ball lightning' and similar effects being referred to as plasmoids, and they don't all appear to have any significant temperature to them. There does appear to be some sort of cohesion, though.
 

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