Uncovering the Truth: Is the Glowing Substance in Microwaves Really Plasma?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of the glowing substance produced in microwaves, with participants debating whether it qualifies as plasma. While some assert that the substance is plasma due to its ionized nature, others argue that true plasma requires extreme temperatures that would damage the microwave. The consensus indicates that the glowing substance does not meet the criteria for plasma, as it does not reach the necessary temperatures to ionize gas fully. Instead, the phenomenon is likely a misinterpretation stemming from misconceptions about plasma and nuclear fusion.

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I saw this video and several others like it, all claiming that the glowing substance created in the microwave is indeed plasma. To my (limited) knowledge on the subject, plasma is just an ionized/electrified gas. However, others say that there is no way the substance could be plasma, as real plasma would be millions of degrees and melt straight through the glass and microwave.

Is the substance created in the microwave real plasma? And if not, what exactly IS it?
 
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I think that misconception comes from the idea of nuclear fusion using a confined plasma.

The plasma state only requires kT be high enough to remove electrons from a significant fraction of atoms or molecules in the gas, not shatter (or fuse) nuclei.
 
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