Plasma discharge refers to the phenomenon that occurs when plasma is subjected to an electric field, resulting in the displacement and ionization of charged particles within the plasma. Plasma is known as the fourth state of matter, distinct from solids, liquids, and gases, and is ionized gas composed of positively charged ions, free electrons, and neutral particles.
In a plasma discharge, an electric field is applied to the plasma, causing the charged particles to move in response to the force exerted on them. As the electric field increases, the particles gain energy and momentum, resulting in the acceleration and collisions between them. These collisions lead to further ionization and the release of additional electrons, amplifying the discharge.
Plasma discharge can occur in various forms, such as glow discharges, corona discharges, or arc discharges, depending on the conditions and specific applications. Glow discharges typically produce a faint glow due to the excitation of gas molecules, while corona discharges generate a more visible, uniform glow around a pointed electrode. Arc discharges, on the other hand, produce bright and intense luminosity, often accompanied by the formation of an electric arc.
Plasma discharges have a wide range of practical applications, including plasma TVs, fluorescent lights, welding, plasma cutting, and numerous industrial processes. They are also studied in physics and astrophysics to understand various natural phenomena, such as the auroras in Earth's atmosphere and plasma jets in space.
