plazmagömböt

A plazmagömböt, often referred to as a plasma globe or plasma ball, is an electric novelty item that displays colorful plasma. It typically consists of a glass sphere filled with a mixture of noble gases at low pressure. Inside the sphere, a high-voltage electrode is located at the center. When the globe is activated, a high-frequency, high-voltage alternating current is applied to the electrode. This electric field ionizes the gases within the sphere, creating a plasma. The plasma appears as tendrils of light that radiate from the central electrode towards the glass envelope. These tendrils are a result of the excited gas atoms releasing photons as they return to a lower energy state.

The visual effect of the plazmagömböt can be manipulated by placing a hand or other conductive object against the glass. The human body, being conductive, draws the plasma tendrils towards it. This is because the electric field lines are more easily attracted to the conductive surface, altering the path of the plasma discharge. The gases used and the voltage applied determine the color of the plasma. Common combinations include neon for red, argon for blue, and xenon for green. The plazmagömböt is primarily an entertainment device, showcasing the principles of plasma physics in a visually engaging way. It is not a scientific instrument or a tool for practical application.