Who Invented the Plasma Ball?
Plasma balls, also known as lightning balls or plasma lamps, are a fascinating scientific toy. You can buy these balls for as little as $40 in many major stores today. The balls have been for sale as a curiosity for the past 25 to 30 years. The scientific basis of the ball is interesting, and the colors and lights make it hard to ignore.
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Definition
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A plasma ball is a clear glass ball that contains low density gases surrounding an electrode. The electrode stimulates the gases to glow in random streams of light that move and flow.
History
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In 1894, Nikola Tesla received a patent for his Incandescent Electric Light that was the basic design for today's plasma ball. Tesla invented this light as a way of studying high voltage phenomena.
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Modern History
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The actual "plasma ball" that is sold in today was invented in 1970 by Bill Parker while he was a student at MIT. The balls began to sell and get popular in the 1980s and that popularity has continued into the 21st century.
Types
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Many different sizes of plasma balls are available. You can purchase a basic plasma ball with an electrical cord or you can buy a newer USB powered plasma ball.
Warning
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There are chances of static charges building up with plasma balls, slight burns and interference with the working of other electrical devices. Read and follow all warning labels.
Fun Fact
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If you take a fluorescent light bulb and hold it close to the plasma lamp, it will start to glow. This is due to the field surrounding the plasma ball.
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Resources
- Photo Credit sxc.hu/blue_arim/Puiu Adriana Mirabela
