Plasma light?

Question

Does anybody know those plasma light balls when you touch them they send lightning to the spot you touched, what is that lightning made out of or what kind is it? can somebody tell me or can somebody give me the site where I can find the information I need to know about the plasma light balls. I'm doing a research about it for school so I really need it.

Answer 1

Plasma is the fourth state of matter. Plasma is ionization of gas and only gas. Ionization of gas occurs when electrons collide with the gas inside the light ball, this causes excitation of electrons and the electrons of atom are being promoted by jumping from lower orbit to higher orbit. This jump will emit energy and in this case it is photon (light).



The plasma light ball operates by sensing the change in capacitance. If there is no touch, the circuit of electron will be opened or less capacitance. If there is a touch, the circuit is earthed, therefore the circuit is closed, allowing electrons to flow through the air inside the ball and through your hands and to the air.



Since the body is more conductive, it acts like an antenna, which increase capacitance.

And because the atmosphere has very very little conductivity, the electron source (centre of the ball) find it hard to complete the circuit to the earth. Hence, no electron collision and no ionisation and no light.

Answer 2

those light balls actually has small electric pulses



like all type of electric (lightning, static, etc..), it will all try to be neutralized by going to its opposite energy (positive to negative and negative to positive)



those pulses will try to even out with your fingers when you touch them



but don't worry, the glass ball will absorb (neutralize) the electric discharge..



good luck for your research..

Answer 3

By touching the ball it is modified its electrical capacity. See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_lamp