Is It Safe and Feasible to Create Plasma in a Microwave Using Helium Gas?

AI Thread Summary
Creating plasma in a microwave using helium gas is considered safe due to helium's inert properties, similar to using air. The experiment involves igniting a match, covering it with a helium-filled beaker, and exposing it to an electromagnet. The hypothesis suggests that the type of gas affects plasma's reaction to magnetic fields, particularly with gases having higher atomic numbers. Previous experiments with air yielded successful results, indicating feasibility. Overall, the proposed methodology appears sound and safe for the intended science fair project.
Sciencekid
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For a science fair experiment me and my partner are working on creating plasma in a microwave.Our hypothesis is that if the manipulability of plasma is affected by the type of gas used, then plasma will react to magnetic fields differently depending on the gas that has been ionised. Because gases with a higher atomic number (more electrons) will - upon ionisation - affect the versatility of the plasma when exposed to magnetic fields. Our methedology is as follows:
1. Light a match and place it on a small raised surface inside a microwave
2. Fill a glass bowl/beaker with Helium, upside down so it doesn’t escape (because helium is lighter than air).
3. Cover the match with the bowl/beaker, leaving a slight gap so air can ventilate the match.
4. Close the microwave door and turn it on for 15-20 seconds
5. Place electromagnet directly outside the microwave door
I was wondering if this experiment was safe and do-able since it worked whenidny fill the beaker with helium.
Thanks in advance
sciencekid
 
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Helium is inert, so you should be just as safe using it as you are using normal air. I assume you've already done this experiment with regular air?
 
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Yes we have done the experiment with air, and it worked brilliantly just as we had expected
 
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