plasma discharge

A plasma discharge occurs when an electric current flows through a gas, energizing its particles and transforming it into plasma—a state of matter similar to gas but with ionized particles that carry charge. This process creates luminous phenomena like neon signs and lightning. The electric field strips electrons from atoms, resulting in free electrons and positive ions. As these particles collide and recombine, energy is released as light or heat. Plasma discharges are fundamental in many technological applications, including fluorescent lighting, plasma cutters, and fusion research, illustrating how controlled electrical energy interacts with gases to produce visible and useful effects.