Plasma was first discovered by William Crookes in 1879. Although Crookes identified the state of matter, he did not name it "plasma". The term "plasma" was later coined by Irving Langmuir in 1929.
Understanding the Discovery
Here's a more detailed look at the discovery of plasma:
- William Crookes's Observation: Crookes was experimenting with a Crookes tube (an early type of vacuum tube) and observed a glowing substance within the tube. This glowing gas was actually the first observation of what we know now as plasma. He did not call it plasma; instead, he referred to it as "radiant matter".
- Irving Langmuir's Contribution: Years later, in 1929, Irving Langmuir, an American chemist and physicist, used the term "plasma" to describe this ionized gas. He was studying the properties of ionized gases and found that it was a unique state of matter. The name “plasma” was chosen because it reminded him of blood plasma.
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Event | Discoverer |
|---|---|---|
| 1879 | Observation of the 'radiant matter' in a Crookes tube | William Crookes |
| 1929 | Naming the ionized gas as 'plasma' | Irving Langmuir |
What is Plasma?
Plasma is often referred to as the "fourth state of matter" (along with solid, liquid, and gas).
- It is a superheated gas where electrons have been stripped away from atoms or molecules.
- This process, called ionization, creates a mixture of positively charged ions and negatively charged electrons.
- Plasma is very common in the universe and is found in stars, lightning, and some industrial processes.
Examples of Plasma
- Natural Plasma: Lightning, stars, the solar wind, and the Earth's ionosphere
- Artificial Plasma: Neon signs, plasma televisions, fusion reactors, and some industrial processes
