#plasma $XPL
Plasma is often called the fourth state of matter, distinct from solids, liquids, and gases, and it plays a major role in both nature and modern technology. When a gas is given enough energy—through heat, electricity, or radiation—the atoms inside it lose some of their electrons, creating a mixture of free electrons and positively charged ions. This energized, electrically conductive state is known as plasma. Unlike ordinary gases, plasma responds strongly to electric and magnetic fields, which allows it to form fascinating shapes like glowing arcs, filaments, and waves. Plasma is actually the most common form of visible matter in the universe; stars, including our Sun, are massive balls of hot plasma where nuclear fusion occurs, releasing enormous amounts of energy. Lightning is another natural example of plasma, formed when a strong electric field ionizes the air during a storm. On Earth, plasma has many practical uses. Neon signs and fluorescent lamps glow because electric current passes through plasma inside glass tubes. In medicine, cold plasma is being researched for sterilizing equipment and
