• Question: If i put one of my fingers on a plasma ball why dose all the lines click to my hand when its not a conducture ?

    Asked by crystalalice to David, Rebecca, Simon, Verity, Wei on 15 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: David Armstrong

      David Armstrong answered on 14 Jun 2011:

      A plasma ball, also know as a plasma globe works by causing a gas to ionize between two high voltage electrodes. The ions are excited by the electomagnetic field and give off photons (light). When you put you finger near the ball, you change the local field lines, and they move towards your finger.

    • Photo: Rebecca Handley

      Rebecca Handley answered on 14 Jun 2011:

      David has the right answer! It doesnt matter that your hand isnt a conductor, it is attracted to you because of its charge.

    • Photo: Wei Xun

      Wei Xun answered on 14 Jun 2011:

      I’d go with David too, my physics A level was a loooooooong time ago!

    • Photo: Verity Nye

      Verity Nye answered on 15 Jun 2011:

      You already have your answer.

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