#plasma $XPL @Plasma

Plasma is often called the fourth state of matter, distinct from solids, liquids, and gases. It forms when a gas is heated to extremely high temperatures or exposed to strong energy, causing its atoms to lose electrons. This creates a mix of free electrons and positively charged ions that can conduct electricity and respond to magnetic fields. Plasma makes up most of the visible universe, including stars, the sun, lightning, and auroras. On Earth, plasma is used in many technologies such as fluorescent lights, plasma TVs, semiconductor manufacturing, and medical equipment. Because of its unique electrical properties, plasma plays a key role in research on nuclear fusion, which scientists hope will become a powerful and clean energy source in the future.