Question

Which state of matter consists of ions and electrons? A. solid C. gas B. plasma D. liquid

Short answer

Plasma (B) consists of ions and electrons.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Options

Review the options given for states of matter: solid, gas, plasma, and liquid. Recall the general characteristics of each state to help pinpoint which consists of ions and electrons.

Recall Characteristics of a Solid

Solids have tightly packed atoms or molecules with fixed positions, and they do not consist of free ions or electrons. This eliminates solids as the answer.

Recall Characteristics of a Gas

Gases consist of particles that are far apart and move freely, but they are not ionized under normal conditions. Therefore, gases usually do not have free electrons swirling around.

Recall Characteristics of a Liquid

Liquids have particles that are close together but can move past one another freely; however, they also are not composed of free-moving ions and electrons.

Recall Characteristics of Plasma

Plasma is a state of matter where the gas phase is energized until atomic electrons are no longer associated with any particular atomic nucleus. It consists of free ions and electrons, thus fitting the description given in the question.

Key concepts

States of Matter

Matter can exist in different states, primarily known as solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. These states are distinguished by their physical properties, which depend on factors like temperature and pressure.
For example, in a solid, particles are closely packed with fixed positions. Though they vibrate, they do not move freely, which gives solids a definite shape and volume. On the other hand, liquids have particles that are close but not fixed in place, allowing them to flow and change shape to fit the container while maintaining a constant volume.
Gases have particles that are far apart and move freely. They can expand to fill their container, having neither a fixed shape nor a fixed volume.

• Solid: Definite shape and volume, particles tightly packed.
• Liquid: Definite volume but takes the shape of the container, particles can move past one another.
• Gas: Neither definite shape nor volume, particles move freely.
• Plasma: Ionized gas with free ions and electrons.

Plasma, distinct from these, is created when gas particles are energized to the point where electrons separate from their atomic nuclei, resulting in a state comprising free ions and electrons.

Characteristics of Plasma

Plasma is often referred to as the fourth state of matter. Unlike the more commonly known states, plasma does not naturally occur on Earth except in certain forms like lightning or the auroras.
One defining trait of plasma is its ability to conduct electricity, which stems from the free movement of ions and electrons. This electric conductivity is also why plasma is sensitive to magnetic fields.
Moreover, the creation of plasma requires energy input, often in the form of heat or electrical power, to ionize gas molecules by removing electrons. This state is common in the universe, constituting stars, including our sun, which are massive bodies of plasma.

• Highly conductive
• Forms under extreme heat or electrical power
• Composed of charged particles
• Exists predominantly in space as stars

Furthermore, due to these properties, plasma can be utilized in technologies such as neon signs, plasma TVs, and even plasma torches, making its reach both scientific and practical.

Free Ions and Electrons in Plasma

In plasma, the gas molecules gain enough energy to ionize. This means that the electrons detach from the atoms, resulting in free-moving ions and electrons. These free particles are what lend plasma its unique electrical characteristics.
When electrons are freed from their atomic orbits, they can move independently among the nuclei, which generates electric currents in the presence of a magnetic field. Because of this, plasma can be manipulated for various scientific and technological applications.
This ionization process is central to how plasma operates and differs from gases, where atoms remain neutral and intact under normal conditions. In contrast, the free ions and electrons in plasma allow for a level of energy and reactivity unseen in other states of matter.

• Consists of ionized particles with free electrons
• Ability to conduct electricity due to charged particles
• Allows manipulation using magnetic fields

Understanding the behavior of plasma and its free ions and electrons is essential in fields such as astrophysics, where it helps explain the dynamics of stars and galactic phenomena.