Re: [Phys-L] plasma sphere

[Dan Beeker <debeeker@comcast.net>]

Perhaps we could put a little science to work here. Makes sense the electrons have higher energy near the outer glass. Can we determine this experimentally? We all know electrons in the lamp are excited. We also know a photon is emitted when an electron loses energy and “falls” (transitions) to a lower energy level. We observe bluish and pinkish colors. Most of us have spectroscopes. Perhaps one could look at the emission and determine what gases are prevalent inside the globe? Then look at the bluish emission only to ascertain which energy level the electrons are “falling” to? Then do the same for the pinkish emission. Which has the greater energy drop? 

Iirc astronomers do this a lot.

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