Here's why:
* Plasma is often called the "fourth state of matter" (after solid, liquid, and gas).
* High particle speed: In plasma, particles move so fast that they collide with enough force to knock electrons loose from their atoms. This creates a sea of free-moving electrons and ions (atoms that have lost electrons).
* Other properties: Plasma also exhibits other characteristics like high electrical conductivity and the ability to be affected by magnetic fields.
While gases also have particles moving at high speeds, the defining factor of plasma is the presence of these free-moving electrons and ions.
