Fusion and Plasma Physics

Light atoms like hydrogen (one proton and one neutron) can fuse together so tightly that they release energy.  This will only happen if the two positively charged nuclei get close enough that they overcome the electric force pushing them apart.  When the nuclei get close enough, the force that binds protons and neutrons together, the strong force, takes over and pulls the nuclei even closer together. Plasma is a state of matter along with solids, liquids and gases. It consists of a partially-ionized gas, containing ions, electrons, and neutral atoms. In plasma, some electrons are freed from their atoms, allowing current and electricity to flow.  In fact, one of the little naturally-occurring plasma found here on Earth is lightning!

Plasma is the state of matter along with solids, liquids, and gases. It consists of partially ionized gas particles containing ions, electrons, and neutral atoms. In plasma, some electrons are released from their atoms, which allows current and current to flow. In fact, lightning is one of the little natural plasma found here on Earth.