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If we have a gas that consists of single atoms, and we add sufficient energy (heat) to it, the negatively charged electrons which are typically bound to the positively charged nucleus of these atoms will overcome the pull of the nucleus (opposite charges attract). The result will be a “soup” of particles consisting of the free electrons (- charge) and the free nuclei (+ charge). This state is known as plasma. Plasma makes up all of the stars, and is the most common form of matter in the visible universe.Some examples of plasma are:

- The glowing “gas” inside neon signs and fluorescent lights.

- The glowing parts of a plasma TV.

- The exhaust of big rockets.

- Lightning.

- The northern and southern lights.

- The solar wind and space weather.

- The Sun and all the stars.

- The stuff inside a fusion reactor.