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Matter exists in different physical states depending on temperature and energy levels. Traditionally, we know three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. However, there is a fourth state of matter, called plasma, which is formed when a gas is heated or energized to extremely high temperatures, causing its atoms to become ionized.
Plasma is a superheated, electrically charged gas consisting of:
Positively charged ions
Free electrons moving independently
When enough energy is supplied to a gas, the electrons separate from atoms, creating this ionized state. Plasma conducts electricity, generates magnetic fields, and responds strongly to electromagnetic forces, making it very different from ordinary gases.
Stars and the Sun: The core of stars is composed of plasma due to intense heat and pressure.
Lightning: A natural plasma formed during thunderstorms.
Auroras: Plasma interacting with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.
Fluorescent lights and plasma TVs: Artificially produced plasma used in lighting and display technology.
Fusion reactors: Experimental devices generating plasma for energy research.
Water: A liquid state of matter, not the fourth state.
Salts: Solid compounds, part of the first state of matter.
Vapours: A gaseous state, not ionized enough to be plasma.
Plasma is sometimes referred to as the most common state of matter in the universe, as over 99% of visible matter (like stars) exists in this form.Thus, the fourth state of matter is Plasma (Option D), a high-energy ionized state beyond solid, liquid, and gas.
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