Creating a swirling plasma effect in an acrylic tube, similar to the arc reactor in Iron Man, is feasible without reaching the extreme conditions required for fusion. Demonstrations can utilize high-voltage electrical discharges through gases like hydrogen, which can ionize and emit light. However, achieving a stable plasma requires heating the gas to high temperatures, and safety regulations govern the use of such high-voltage devices due to potential UV and X-ray emissions. Building complex systems like a tokamak is not advisable for simple demonstrations, as they involve significant regulatory oversight and technical challenges. Overall, a small apparatus using ring magnets can effectively illustrate plasma behavior while adhering to safety and legal guidelines.
