How to Create Plasma Balls in a Microwave

Create balls of plasmoid energy in your kitchen microwave.

It is a common misconception that there are three stages of mater; solid, liquid and gas. This is incorrect, however, as there is actually a fourth stage, plasma. Plasma is an ionized gas that has enough energy to allow ions and electrons to coexist. An example of plasma is the sun or many of the stars we see at night. You don't have to travel into space to see plasma up close, however. With the proper equipment, you can view a ball of plasmoid energy in your own kitchen microwave.

Things You'll Need

• Cork
• Match
• Lighter
• Circular clear vase

Instructions

1. Place the match inside the top of the cork so the match can stand freely on its own.

2. Place the cork and match in the center of the microwave. Using a lighter, light the match.

3. Place the glass vase on top of the match so it covers the flame. Set the microwave for ten seconds, then press "Start."

4. Wait for a blue flash to fill the microwave. This will happen after a few seconds. Once the flash fades, plasmoid will raise off the burning charcoal and to the top of the circular vase.

5. Create multiple plasma balls by repeating steps one through four, however you must first allow the circular vase to completely cool down in between uses. This will take between 10 to 20 minutes. If you don't allow the vase to cool, it can shatter and break your microwave.

Tips & Warnings

• Only conduct this experiment in a well ventilated room to avoid inhaling large amounts of nitrogen oxide.

• This experiment can damage your microwave.

References

• Jefferson Lab: What is Plasma?
• Jnaudin: How to Build a Stable Plasmoid