Description
The ‘Plasma Globe’ demonstrates that by placing your hands on the globe, the path of the electric current changes, and the lightning bolts are drawn towards you. This is because our skin has conductive properties. The human body is a reasonably good conductor of electricity due to its water content and the presence of salts and minerals.
The principle you see in the exhibit is the same as the formation of lightning. Air particles become charged with electricity as clouds rub against each other. Electrical charge builds up, which can discharge as lightning.
There is much research into using plasma for applications such as in the healthcare sector. Medical instruments are already being cleaned using electrical conduction to prevent contamination during surgery. Additionally, plasma may be used in the future to destroy cancer cells without damaging surrounding tissue.
How does a plasma globe work?
- Place your hands on the glass.
- Observe what happens to the light
