How do plasmas differ from ordinary gases?

Plasma is often called the fourth state of matter, alongside solid, liquid, and gas. In a plasma, atoms have been stripped of some or all of their electrons, leaving a mixture of ions and free electrons. This makes plasma electrically conductive and highly responsive to electromagnetic fields. The Sun, lightning, neon signs, and many space environments contain plasma. Although plasma is common in the universe, it is less common in everyday life on Earth because ordinary conditions usually favor neutral gases.