What is Plasma Physics and
why do I need to know?
The understanding and use of plasmas is
entering a Golden Age. Profound new insights into the behavior
of solar and stellar phenomenon, exciting advances in fusion energy
research and development, and the technological applications of
plasmas will play an increasing role in 21st century science and
research. The world your students are growing into will greatly
benefit from plasma-related technologies and new discoveries in
the basic behavior of plasmas. So what is a plasma and
what do plasma physicists do?
Although most students can name three states of matter (solid,
liquid, gas), relatively few know that a fourth state — the plasma
state — exists and that it makes up almost all of the visible
universe. Lightning, neon and fluorescent lights, and the aurora
borealis are just three examples of plasma — a glowing ionized
gas with unique behavior. Plasma physicists study how plasma behaves.
Their research provides data that sometimes helps provide new answers to old
problems.
How are plasmas used?
Scientists are learning to harness plasmas to make progress in
many areas of life. Plasma is used for welding, sterilizing medical
instruments, lighting homes and industries, cleaning up pollution,
purifying contaminated water and treating harmful wastes. It is
essential for fusion energy research. How do plasmas fit into my science curriculum?
Plasmas
can be used to teach many topics in the physical sciences and can be woven
into existing curricula, enhancing the topic. Their use is consistent
with national and state science standards. |
