Gas discharges occur when an electric current passes through a gas, causing it to emit light and other forms of energy. This phenomenon is commonly observed in devices like neon signs and fluorescent lamps, where the gas inside becomes ionized, allowing it to conduct electricity. As the gas returns to its normal state, it releases energy in the form of visible light. The process of gas discharge can be influenced by factors such as pressure and temperature. Different gases produce various colors when ionized; for example, neon emits a bright red light, while argon can produce a blue hue. Understanding gas discharges is essential in fields like lighting technology and plasma physics.