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, the aurora borealis and some forms of lighting (neon and fluorescent) are just three examples of plasma — a glowing ionized gas with unique behavior. Plasma physicists study how plasma behaves.
Their research provides data that leads to new answers to old
problems.
How are plasmas used?
Scientists and engineers have utilized plasmas for many decades. Plasma is used for welding, sterilizing medical
instruments, lighting homes and industries, cleaning up pollution,
purifying contaminated water and treating harmful wastes and is
essential for fusion energy research.
How do plasmas fit into my science
curriculum?
APS/DPP curriculum activites support the grades 6-12 New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) Grade Span Expectations (GSEs). Topics can include: properties of heat, light and sound; the structure of matter; the nature of changes in matter; the relationship between energy, force and motion; how matter becomes energy during nuclear reactions; the properties of waves, and many more. |
