What is the most common form of matter found in the universe?

The most common form of matter found in the universe is plasma. Plasma is a state of matter where gases become ionized, meaning that the atoms are energetically energized enough that they lose some of their electrons. This ionization allows plasma to be highly conductive and responsive to electromagnetic fields.

Plasma makes up a significant portion of the universe, particularly in stars, where the extreme temperatures cause the hydrogen and helium gas to form plasma. The sun, for example, is composed of a hot plasma consisting mainly of hydrogen ions and electrons. Additionally, plasma exists in vast quantities in galaxies, nebulae, and throughout the interstellar medium.

In contrast, solids, liquids, and gases, while present in various environments, do not account for the majority of observable matter in the universe. The balance of matter types shifts dramatically in celestial bodies and astronomical phenomena, emphasizing the dominance of plasma in the cosmic landscape. Consequently, in terms of overall abundance, plasma is undeniably the leading form of matter present in the universe.