Can plasma be considered as the fourth state of matter?

[Unreal Zelta]

Hey Guys,
I had recently came across a plasma generator demonstration (downloading from the internet, due to New Zealand's nuclear free policy), which was quite interesting. They heated a low pressure gas until its kinetic energy was similar to its ionisation potential of the gas molecules/atoms. The collisions of the gas particles at high temperature caused cascade ionisations of the gas, and projected a wave quality "matter", which we can observe and known as "plasma".

My question is:
Since gas (particles) are associated with plasma, can it be considered as a new state of matter (fourth)?

I'd especially would like to hear the insight knowledge from you, Dave!

Best regards

Zelta

[Guille]

Since gas (particles) are associated with plasma, can it be considered as a new state of matter (fourth)?

Proper scientist don't agree about accepting that plasma is a knew state of matter (the fourth one). For chemists, plasma isn't a new state of matter for even though it is different to the rest, the relations of this one to the other three aren't still sure (like the typical diagram saying gas-liquid-solid with two ways each showing what process is needed to go from one to another). For most physicists, it is a new state of matter. I believe it is a new state of matter, and I doubt that this is all there is; there might be dozens of states of matter which are in the universe or which could be made in the universe.

[dleviwing]

Zelta;
It is often said that plasma is the forth state of matter when referring to atomic structured matter. The process you are talking about is done with a high power RF generator usually at about 13.57mHz. The process is use in the manufacture of semiconductors, CD coating, glass tinting, and to produce alpha particles and other nuclei for accelerators. Look up sputtering.

[Unreal Zelta]

Hey Dave,
Sorry I've been on holiday.

I've searched for sputtering, and the idea/method of plasma generation is clear to me now. However, I am still confused on the principle; what state of 'matter' is plasma actually in? I know it may sound like a contradictory question (plasma is in the plasma state of matter), but can you give me a brief description of its properties? (the websites I've browsed through, presented me with incomprehensible analogies)

Thanks Dave!

Best regards

Zelta

[dleviwing]

Zelta;
Your right, it’s like asking what state of matter is gas in? – however I think I know what you are asking.
If we consider the gaseous state of matter as being atoms bouncing off one another as a result of radiation (heating), then we can view plasma as being the same thing except the radiation is self-generated due to the missing electrical charge.
This is about as simple as I can state it without going into the concepts of the behavior of charged particles which is probably what you had problems with while browsing. I personally do not view plasma as another state of matter but I do not object to those who do.

[thinking]

Zelta;
Your right, it’s like asking what state of matter is gas in? – however I think I know what you are asking.
If we consider the gaseous state of matter as being atoms bouncing off one another as a result of radiation (heating), then we can view plasma as being the same thing except the radiation is self-generated due to the missing electrical charge.
This is about as simple as I can state it without going into the concepts of the behavior of charged particles which is probably what you had problems with while browsing. I personally do not view plasma as another state of matter but I do not object to those who do.

from my understanding " plasma " is the opposite flow of electrons and protons.

and there is also " Cosmic Plasmas " as well . as in describing Aurora Borealis ( northern lights )

[Lloyd Gillespie]

Don't leave out the fact, that the sun/stars are also highly active plasma balls...

Lloyd

from my understanding " plasma " is the opposite flow of electrons and protons.

and there is also " Cosmic Plasmas " as well . as in describing Aurora Borealis ( northern lights )

[thinking]

Don't leave out the fact, that the sun/stars are also highly active plasma balls...

Lloyd

true enough