answersLogoWhite

0

The plasma ball is an electrical apparatus invented by Nikola Tesla in 1894; it was first popularized as a novelty item in the 1980s. It is composed of a central electrode surrounded by a glass globe containing a mixture of inert gases. It functions as a miniature Tesla coil, and is useful for conducting several electrical experiments.

It emits high-frequency high-voltage low-current signal. Discharges from this ionize a gas, or gas mixture (exactly which depends on the globe), creating a charged plasma. Current flow through that plasma heats it, causing it to glow -- just as a static-electricity spark (or a lightning bolt) glows. The bulb may or may not have a conductive coating to act as the other terminal for this ionizing current. If you come near to or touch the globe, you act as a large ground and some current flows to you, altering the pattern of ionization and thus the light patterns. (You may feel the current as a slight prickling where your skin touches the globe; as with static electricity there isn't enough current to do you any harm.)

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Physics

What does a static electric ball do?

A static electric ball creates static electricity which can attract and repel objects when touched. It can be used for educational demonstrations or for simple entertainment purposes.


Did Nikola Tesla invent the plasma ball?

No, Nikola Tesla did not invent the plasma ball. The plasma ball was actually invented by Nikola's brother, Danelei Tesla, in 1894. Nikola Tesla did, however, work extensively with high-voltage and high-frequency phenomena related to plasma discharge.


Does a ball rolling down a hill cause static friction?

Friction is one force causes a ball to roll downhill. The smaller the static friction coefficient, the more liable the ball will be to skidding instead of rolling. Static friction is involved in a ball rolling downhill.


Why did Nikola Tesla invent a plasma ball?

This is the first time someone mentions the plasma ball in the few years I been in wikianswers. I like this question because with the plasma ball we could see how Tesla conducted his experiments. Tesla invented the plasma lamp for his experiments with high frequency currents of electricity in a vacuum glass tube, scientifically called an "evacuated tube" The Plasma Ball or lamp was actually first named by Tesla as "an inert gas discharge tube" for a better description. He wanted better light bulbs and he created those as well.


What kind of energy does a ball have?

-- A ball on a shelf has gravitational potential energy with respect to the floor. -- A ball in motion has kinetic energy. -- A ball of fire has heat energy. -- A ball of trinitrotoluene has chemical energy. -- A ball of charged pith has static electric energy. -- A ball of U235 has nuclear energy.

Related Questions

What does a static electric ball do?

A static electric ball creates static electricity which can attract and repel objects when touched. It can be used for educational demonstrations or for simple entertainment purposes.


Did Nikola Tesla invent the plasma ball?

No, Nikola Tesla did not invent the plasma ball. The plasma ball was actually invented by Nikola's brother, Danelei Tesla, in 1894. Nikola Tesla did, however, work extensively with high-voltage and high-frequency phenomena related to plasma discharge.


Does a ball rolling down a hill cause static friction?

Friction is one force causes a ball to roll downhill. The smaller the static friction coefficient, the more liable the ball will be to skidding instead of rolling. Static friction is involved in a ball rolling downhill.


Why did Nikola Tesla invent a plasma ball?

This is the first time someone mentions the plasma ball in the few years I been in wikianswers. I like this question because with the plasma ball we could see how Tesla conducted his experiments. Tesla invented the plasma lamp for his experiments with high frequency currents of electricity in a vacuum glass tube, scientifically called an "evacuated tube" The Plasma Ball or lamp was actually first named by Tesla as "an inert gas discharge tube" for a better description. He wanted better light bulbs and he created those as well.


What does static electricity look like?

It look like a ball and it has a small ball inside


What kind of energy does a ball have?

-- A ball on a shelf has gravitational potential energy with respect to the floor. -- A ball in motion has kinetic energy. -- A ball of fire has heat energy. -- A ball of trinitrotoluene has chemical energy. -- A ball of charged pith has static electric energy. -- A ball of U235 has nuclear energy.


Is it important static friction on a bowling ball?

Yes, if you want to curve the ball before it hits the pins.


What does the activity with the cotton ball and plastic help prove explain?

The activity with the cotton ball and plastic helps demonstrate the concept of static electricity. When you rub the plastic on the cotton ball, electrons transfer from the plastic to the cotton ball, resulting in a buildup of static charge on the cotton ball. The cotton ball can then be attracted to objects with the opposite charge or repelled by objects with the same charge, showcasing how static electricity works.


Ball A has a charge of 3 Coulombs Ball B has a charge of 5 Coulombs What is the net electric charge?

5 COLOUMBS?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!??!?!?! That is a lot of lightning


Why ball in the pith ball electroscope has to have a small mass?

The ball in a pith ball elecroscope is small because the ball must be able to move with little forces. If the ball had a large mass it would be difficult for a small force of attraction to occur.


What happens when a hard rubber ball is rubbed by wool?

Rubbing wool on the ball transfers electrons (negatively charged) from the wool to the ball. The excess charge builds up and produces static electricity.


When the tip of a ballpen is rubbed in your hair why do it attract light objects?

The tip of a ball pen is plastic. When plastic is rubbed in a person's hair it attracts light objects due to static electricity. It can be any plastic that will create the static electricity. Even an inflated balloon will do this trick.