How Did Two Different Methods Create Plasma in Our Science Fair Experiment?

[Sciencekid]

For a science fair experiment me and my partner created plasma using a microwave. We used two different methods which both had different results. For the first one we simply put a match on a raised surface and put a beaker over the top using small pieces of cork to elevate the blacker so that oxygen could reach the match. We then lit the match and turned the microwave on. It created a beam plasma that went to the top of the glass beaker, and lasted for about 20 seconds. Then we did a second plasma using grapes. We simply cut a grape in two, leaving just the skin, and then placed it into the microwave. It created small bursts of plasma for about 8 seconds. Why did they have different results and how did it work?
Thanks in advance
sciencekid

 

[Vailanor]

z.orgThe different results are due to the different materials used in each experiment. In the first experiment, you used a match to create the plasma. Matches contain sulfur and potassium chlorate, which when exposed to heat, cause oxidation and produce a flame. The flame then produces a hot gas, which is the plasma. In the second experiment, the grapes were the source of the plasma. Grapes contain water and organic matter, which when heated, produce a gas that is less dense than air. This gas expands rapidly, causing small bursts of plasma. The plasma produced by the grapes lasts for a shorter time than the match because it is not as hot. Overall, the plasma forms due to a combination of heat, oxygen, and fuel. The heat causes the fuel to oxidize, producing a hot gas, which is the plasma. The oxygen provides the necessary energy for the oxidation to occur.