Plasma and gas are both states of matter, but they have key differences:
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Ionization: Plasma is an ionized state of matter, meaning that it consists of charged particles, including ions and free electrons. In contrast, gases are composed of neutral atoms or molecules.
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Response to Electric and Magnetic Fields: Plasma can be influenced and manipulated by electric and magnetic fields due to the presence of charged particles. Gases, being primarily neutral, do not respond to magnetic fields in the same way and have a much weaker response to electric fields.
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Temperature: Plasma generally exists at much higher temperatures than gases. This high energy level is required to ionize the gas and create plasma, while gases can exist at a wide range of temperatures.
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Conductivity: Plasma is an excellent conductor of electricity because it contains free-moving ions and electrons. Gases, on the other hand, are typically poor conductors unless ionization occurs.
Overall, plasma and gas are distinct, with plasma being a more energetic, ionized state of matter that interacts strongly with electric and magnetic fields.