Light the fluorescent bulb using a plasma ball!
Materials:
Plasma ball
Fluorescent light bulb (any type)
Procedure:
Place the fluorescent bulb close to the plasma ball and watch it light up!!!
Explanation:
A plasma ball is a sealed glass containing low-pressure noble gases. A high voltage electrode sits in the center of the ball, connected to the power source. When the ball is turned on, electrical current ionizes the gas in the ball, creating plasma. When you touch the surface of the plasma ball, you can see the path of the plasma filaments running between the electrode and the insulating glass shell. Although you cannot see it, the high-frequency current extends beyond the surface of the ball. When you bring a fluorescent tube near the ball, the same energy excites the mercury atoms in the fluorescent bulb. The excited atoms emit ultraviolet light that is absorbed into the phosphor coating inside the fluorescent light, converting the ultraviolet light into visible light.
