Final answer:
The state of matter resulting from the separation of electrons from protons inside a star is known as plasma. It is a highly ionized state with unique properties due to the charged particles it contains. Plasma is common in stars and other high-temperature environments both on Earth and throughout the universe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the state of matter that results from the separation of electrons from protons inside a star is plasma. Plasma is not just a gaseous state of matter but is significantly ionized, meaning it contains a high number of electrically charged particles, both negatively charged electrons and positively charged protons. In this high-energy state, particles are far apart, similar to a gas, but the electrical interactions between the charges give plasma unique properties and behaviors.
In stars, the intense heat causes atoms to lose their electron, creating an ionized environment where plasma forms. This phenomenon is not just confined to stars; plasma is the most common state of matter in the universe, found in other natural high-temperature environments like lightning strikes, and in man-made contexts such as certain television screens and analytical instruments.