How Does a Plasma Ball Work?

Plasma Ball Basics

A plasma ball is made up of an outer glass ball that has been filled with an inert gas such as neon at a high pressure. A second glass bulb contains the metallic electrode that acts as the source of the colorful strands of color that emanate from one globe to the next. Extremely popular in the 1980s it has been used as a special effect in movies and as a classroom tool to demonstrate plasma physics.

Electrodes and Magnetic Fields

A plasma ball is made up of a large glass globe filled with inert gases such as neon or xenon. Inside the main globe is a smaller glove that has the electrode. The electricity from a standard outlet is amplified, creating an electromagnetic field. The high voltage reacts with the gas and excites the ions in the globe. The energy created is in the form of a photon, also known as light, and creates the colorful ribbons of energy.

Plasma and Precautions

Plasma is the fourth form of matter and is usually associated with extreme temperatures. It is created when ions within an element are free to move independently of the other ions around them. The plasma streamers go from the electrode glass to the outer globe glass and follow the direction of the magnetic field. Your finger is a conductor. When you touch the outer globe, the magnetic field is changed and the ribbon is attracted to the contact point.

Warnings

While a plasma ball can be used for entertainment, there are a few precautions that must be taken or injury can occur. Prolonged contact by the plasma streamers to the outside of the glass, especially if they are concentrated in one spot, can lead to increased temperature to the glass. The glass can get hot enough to burn. It is also important that there is plenty of ventilation in the area of operation. The electrical interactions can create ozone gas outside of the globe, which can be hazardous.