Can all gases be ionized to make a plasma?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of states of matter, including the definition of ionization and how it can turn a gas into a plasma. It also mentions that there are more than four states of matter, but the basic ones are solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. The idea of forming a plasma through different methods, such as super heating or using high voltage or ionizing radiation, is also mentioned. The conversation then moves on to the question of whether all gases have solid and liquid forms, and the answer is that they can condense or evaporate to form different states. The concept of a triple point, where all three states can exist in equilibrium, is also explained. The conversation ends with a discussion about liquid carbon and
  • #1
Dakota
13
0
I sort of new to the states of matter, so please use English (explain what all the big words mean). First of all what does ionizing even mean? second every type of matter of 4 states?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yes, any gas can be turned into a plasma. Ionize means to break apart some or all electrons from the nucleus of an atom or molecule. Of course, if you fully ionize a molecule by taking away all the electrons, it will cease to be a molecule since there's nothing holding the elements together. A plasma is a fluid made up of ions.

There are many more than four states of matter. But the basic ones are solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.
 
  • Like
Likes Dakota and Buzz Bloom
  • #3
Khashishi said:
Yes, any gas can be turned into a plasma. Ionize means to break apart some or all electrons from the nucleus of an atom or molecule. Of course, if you fully ionize a molecule by taking away all the electrons, it will cease to be a molecule since there's nothing holding the elements together. A plasma is a fluid made up of ions.

There are many more than four states of matter. But the basic ones are solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.
Thank you so much. So just to clarify you do get plasma by ionizing gas. Do you ionize something by super heating it? Thank you so much!
 
  • #4
That is one way to ionize something. You can also use high voltage or ionizing radiation. It is easier to form a plasma at low densities, since there is less recombination between the electrons and positive ions.
 
  • Like
Likes Dakota
  • #5
Khashishi said:
That is one way to ionize something. You can also use high voltage or ionizing radiation. It is easier to form a plasma at low densities, since there is less recombination between the electrons and positive ions.
Thank you, are there solid and liquid forms for all gasses too for example is there a liquid form for carbon?
 
  • #6
Dakota said:
Thank you, are there solid and liquid forms for all gasses too for example is there a liquid form for carbon?

A gas will condense to form a liquid and vice versa, a liquid evaporates to form a gas. There is a triple point where you can have all three in equilibrium; solid, liquid and gas. Some solids do not melt to form a liquid, but will sublime to form a gas.
 
  • #7
Kevin McHugh said:
A gas will condense to form a liquid and vice versa, a liquid evaporates to form a gas. There is a triple point where you can have all three in equilibrium; solid, liquid and gas. Some solids do not melt to form a liquid, but will sublime to form a gas.
Thank you but I didn't really understand. Can you explain for a amateur to understand?
 
  • #8
Oops, I didn't really answer your question. It is possible to have liquid carbon at extreme pressure, I think. Almost every gas can be made into liquid and solid. But I am not sure if it is possible for every gas.
 
  • #9
The point I was trying to make is that some solids will sublime to form a gas, and can exist in equilibrium between solid and gas. I think carbon sublimes rather than melts, but might be liquid at high enough pressure.
 
  • #10
So a high voltage rf emitter with say an antennae wrapped around a quartz tube would ionize carbon gases under pressure?
 

Related to Can all gases be ionized to make a plasma?

1. Can all gases be ionized to make a plasma?

Yes, all gases can be ionized to make a plasma. However, the ease of ionization varies depending on the type of gas and the conditions under which the ionization occurs.

2. What is the process of ionization?

Ionization is the process by which electrons are stripped from atoms, resulting in positively charged ions and free electrons. This can occur through various methods such as heating, exposure to strong electric fields, or collisions with other particles.

3. What is a plasma?

A plasma is a state of matter that consists of a gas that has been ionized, resulting in a mixture of positively charged ions and free electrons. It is often referred to as the fourth state of matter and has unique properties such as conductivity and the ability to respond to electromagnetic fields.

4. What are some practical applications of plasma?

Plasma has many practical applications, including in the production of semiconductors, lighting technology, and medical treatments. It is also used in spacecraft propulsion, nuclear fusion research, and in various industrial processes such as welding and cutting.

5. Can plasma be found naturally?

Yes, plasma can be found naturally in the form of lightning, the Earth's ionosphere, and in stars. In fact, most of the observable matter in the universe is in the form of plasma, making it one of the most abundant states of matter.

Similar threads

  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
1
Views
12K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
690
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
757
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
14
Views
4K
Back
Top