A. Neon and Fluorescent Lamps
How Stuff Works - Neon vs Fluorescent Light: Explains the difference between neon and fluorescent lights. Simple and informative. No mention of ionized gas as plasma. Site allows you to search for plasma-related questions.
B. Fusion
1. Overview of Fusion
Focus on Fusion (United
Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority - UKAEA): Contains a layman's
guide to fusion, basic definitions, the history of fusion, and
details of its safety. Provides arguments for pursuing fusion.
Includes animation of fusion reaction.
The Internet Plasma Physics
Education eXperience (IPPEX): Excellent basic introduction to
plasma and fusion energy, with educational interactive tutorials. The
viewer can operate a virtual tokamak and analyze data. Explains pros
and cons of fusion vs. fossil fuels. Very responsive to e-mail
questions.
General Atomics Fusion Energy
Site: Excellent site for teacher and student. Its 66-image slide
show is a good introduction to why it is important to develop an
alternative to fossil fuel power.
Fusion and
Plasma Science FAQ: Large glossary, many links to experiments.
Very basic information in a no-frills format. Last modified 2/95.
National Fusion Energy
Science website: Good content on fusion research, on
confinement, applications and promise. Provides vugraphs on fusion
and referrals to fusion laboratories and fusion education websites.
Fusion Energy
Sciences Education Program: The site, a subnode of the
US Fusion Energy Sciences Program home site, uses real-life fusion
examples to enhance science education nationwide as a means to raise
public awareness of fusion energy. Everything you've always wanted to
know about fusion.
UC Berkeley
Tutorial on Inertial Fusion Energy: Contains tutorial on
technology and economics of inertial fusion energy. Some animations.
Text heavy.
Fusion Basics: Some basic information on fusion, clearly presented. Also includes links to European Fusion Information Network, and
a comprehensive fusion glossary. Sponsored by Joint European Torus (JET).
2. Environmental Implications of Fusion Power
Fusion:
The Energy of the 21st Century: Provides scenario of a world with
diminishing fossil fuels, in need of fusion as an alternative energy
source. Written at the college level.
Fusion and
the Environment: Provides arguments for fusion as environmentally
friendly and safe. Links to site on Environmental
Impact of Fossil Fuels. Part of the larger UKAEA
site.
Fusion FAQ - Environmental: from the
Fusion
and Plasma Science FAQ. Revised in 1995. Text only. Explores
interesting questions about the environmental impact and political
consequences of fossil fuel based economies, and the promise of fusion.
C. Plasma Processing
Plasma Etch, Inc.: In educating their customers about plasma, this site does a good job of explaining some basic benefits of plasma processing, including electronic, industrial and medical applications.
D. Plasma Propulsion in Space
Ions in Action: The experiment of rubbing a balloon on your hair to pick up confetti segues into a discussion of ions. Although it does not mention plasma directly, it does state that in an ion propulsion engine a charge is given to xenon gas. This is supplemented by
Deep Space I Engine Facts, fact sheet on ion propulsion. Elementary level. Part of the larger web site: The Space Place.
How Stuff Works:
Plasma Rocket
How Stuff Works:
Fusion Propulsion
E. Plasma Displays
How Stuff Works:
Plasma Displays
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