Write down at least the things in yellow Plasma ! Write down at least the things in yellow

On earth, we live upon an island of “ordinary matter On earth, we live upon an island of “ordinary matter.” We have learned to exist using mostly solids, liquids, and gases.

When looking at the universe as a whole, plasma makes up 99 When looking at the universe as a whole, plasma makes up 99.9% of everything we can see. Solids, liquids, and gases only account for 0.1% ! 1% 99%

Observing Plasmas Let’s use some cool plasma demos to make observations. A qualitative observation is something that uses the senses, not a measurement number. These are descriptions, or qualities of something. Examples are color, texture, taste, odor, etc. A quantitative observation is something that can be measured with a number. Numbers are quantities. Examples are mass, temperature, volume, etc. A

Create these columns in your notes… Qualitative Observations about Plasmas Quantitative Observations about Plasmas

Now write your observations in the appropriate column… Qualitative Quantitative

A plasma starts out as a gas Observation: Most gasses are very warm, over 100 degrees Celsius.

Then it is super-energized (usually by electricity Then it is super-energized (usually by electricity.) So much energy is added that the electrons are ripped away from the nucleus, creating ions. Observation: What shape is created?

These ions are free to zip around and bump into each other These ions are free to zip around and bump into each other. Light is given off when some of these electrons get back with a nucleus. Observation: what colors of light are given off in this particular plasma?

This joining of electron and nucleus happens at the speed of light, about 300 million meters per second. Observation: How fast are plasmas created?

Natural plasmas Northern Lights Lightning Stars

Man-Made Plasmas Fluorescent Lights Neon Signs Plasma TVs

Look for some observations about this…

What observations did you make?

Now for a little musical plasma - observe

What observations did you make?

And this might change your life…

What observations did you make?

And even more plasma music

Practice with other observations… Qualitative by touching your nose (like a smell – which is a quality) Quantitative by holding up 3 fingers (like a number – a quantity) Inference by holding a finger to your temple (like having a thought or opinion)

Qualitative Quantitative Inference The plant had a stem with 5 leaves.

Qualitative Quantitative Inference The plant had a stem with white, fuzzy hairs.

Qualitative Quantitative Inference My dog has an internal temperature of 41 degrees Celsius.

Qualitative Quantitative Inference My dog can jump 1.1 meters in the air.

Qualitative Quantitative Inference My dog loves to chase cats.

Qualitative Quantitative Inference The slime was slippery and had a greenish-yellow color.

Qualitative Quantitative Inference When we placed some slime on the scale, it had a mass of 2.8 kg.

Qualitative Quantitative Inference I hate the smell of slime!

Qualitative Quantitative Inference The current barometric pressure is 29.9 mb.

Qualitative Quantitative Inference Those clouds outside are dark grey.

Qualitative Quantitative Inference It will probably rain tomorrow.

And More Plasma Music – Just for Fun