Scientific Explanation of a Plasma Ball

Plasma balls contain gasses that congregate to spaces with low amounts of energy.

Created by Nikola Tesla, the Plasma Ball features a glass sphere, with an electrode in the center that emits rays of light throughout the sphere. When the sphere is touched, the light congregates at the place of touch.

Parts

The plasma ball features gasses such as argon confined within the plastic or glass ball, kept at a very low pressure. Inside the sphere is an electrode, which emits a high frequency electromagnetic field.

Process

The electrode pumps a current through the sphere, with the highest voltage concentrated around the center of the sphere. This causes the electrons to separate from the gasses, and in their place leaves positively charged ions. The atmosphere then becomes electrically conductive, creating plasma within the sphere.

Touching the Plasma Ball

The highest concentration of voltage is at the center of the sphere. The arcs of light escape the center area, and moves up through the plasma to the sides of the sphere, which are the lower voltage areas. When you touch the sphere, an even lower voltage is created, and draws the arcs of light to the area of touch.

References

• Think Geek: USB Plasma Ball
• Cool Stuff Express: How Does a Plasma Ball Work?
• Egglescliff Physics: Plasma Balls