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Solid, liquid, gas and … plasma? - Michael Murillo

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TEDEd Animation

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Have you ever seen static electricity cause a spark of light? What is that spark? What about lightning, the Northern Lights, or the tail of a comet? All of those things and many others – in fact, 99.9% of the universe -- are made of plasma. Michael Murillo gives the full picture on plasma.

Solar radiation can ionize the upper atmosphere, forming a plasma layer ovrer our heads. Plasma responds very strongly to electrical and magnetic forces. What do you think happens when electromagnetic radiation, radio waves for example, reach the ionosphere?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Michael Murillo
  • Animator Tomás Pichardo-Espaillat
  • Composer Cem Misirlioglu
  • Script Editor Amy Adkins
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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