The most common form of plasma is in the stars – our Sun exists in the plasma state. Another form of plasma on Earth happens during storms as lightning.Īuroras are another form of plasma, where atoms in the upper atmosphere are affected by particles coming in from outer space. On Earth, plasmas are commonly found in some kinds of fluorescent lights and neon signs. Plasma particles are spread out and move around randomly, but unlike gas, they contain some free ions and electrons, which gives plasma its ability to conduct electricity. They are so excited that they jump an energy level and, in doing so, give off light.

Plasma is a form of matter that exists when atoms are in an excited state. Plasma is very similar to gas, In fact, the easiest way to describe plasma is as a gas that can carry an electrical charge. Right now, you are breathing in air – a mixture of gases containing many elements such as oxygen, nitrogen and carbon.

Gas can be compressed much more easily than a liquid or solid. A gas will fill any container, but if the container is not sealed, the gas will escape. In gases, the atoms are much more spread out than in solids or liquids, and the atoms collide randomly with one another. Water is an example of a liquid, and so is milk, juice and the petrol you put in the car. While a liquid is easier to compress than a solid, it is still quite difficult – imagine trying to compress water in a confined container! A liquid will take on the shape of the container it is being held in.

In liquids, the molecules have the ability to move around and slide past each other. Right now, you are probably sitting on a chair, using a mouse or a keyboard that is resting on a desk – all those things are solids.

What is matter in science