Hooked on Science: Plasma globe illumination

The plasma globe is a science toy many of us have experimented with and there is a lot of science behind this popular gadget.

Materials

* Plasma globe

* Fluorescent bulb

Instructions

STEP 1: Find a suitable location away from direct sunlight, preferably where you are able to dim the lights. Keep the plasma globe away from any metal objects or surfaces. Metal objects or surfaces may cause a shock hazard.

STEP 2: Plug in the plasma globe and turn it on to full power.

STEP 3: Holding the fluorescent bulb by the glass, bring it close to the plasma globe and observe.

Explanation

When the plasma globe is turned on, the gas inside the globe is charged with a high-voltage current causing the gas to ionize and turn into plasma. The entire plasma globe becomes a conductor, allowing the electricity from the electrode to travel through the plasma and escape through the air. When the bulb is placed close to the globe, the electromagnetic field around the globe induces a current inside the bulb, causing the tube to illuminate.

Jason Lindsey is a science outreach educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his website www.hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments. Send him your science questions at jlindseyhookedonscience.com.