Plasma is the fourth state of matter, when intense heat causes molecular bonds to break apart and release individual atoms, which reform into the most basic, naturally-occurring molecules: hydrogen gas (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO).
We have been using plasma commercially and industrially for more than half a century, from welding to fluorescent lightbulbs. It is also responsible for some of nature’s most awe-inspiring events such as lightning, auroras, and solar wind.
Nature
Approximately 99% of the matter in the observable universe is in a plasma state, including the sun, the stars, and even Earth’s ionosphere.
Industry
Plasma has traditionally been used for welding and material processing or the breakdown of hazardous materials, but it has potential to create as well as destroy.
Technology
We have been harnessing plasma safely and efficiently for decades in every day products like fluorescent light bulbs, which proves that it can be carefully controlled.