Ionized gases

Ionized gases, also known as plasmas, are gases in which some atoms have lost or gained electrons, creating charged particles called ions and free electrons. This process occurs when the gas is exposed to high temperatures, strong electric or magnetic fields, or intense radiation, providing enough energy to strip electrons from atoms. Ionized gases are common in nature and technology; for example, the Sun's core is a plasma, and fluorescent lights contain ionized gases that produce light when electrons recombine with ions. Plasmas are unique states of matter characterized by their electrical conductivity and responsiveness to electromagnetic fields.