http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/366712117

Elementary plasma physics

Plasma is the state of the substance most wide-spread in the cosmos and it has very interesting properties that find even wider use in work dedicated to the great problems of contemporary technology. However, the layman who wished to obtain a general idea of the properties of plasma meets a difficult problem. Most books on this subject have such powerful mathematical requisites that to decipher their contents it is necessary to have good preparation in the most important divisions of theoretical physics. At the same time, for an explanation of basic phenomena occurring in plasma, there is no need for complicated mathematical apparatus, which is frequently misused and, as a result, it sometimes obtains a decorative value. It is possible to try to expound the basic questions of plasma physics such that they could be comprehended by a reader with a reserve of knowledge in mathematics and physics approximately corresponding to a course in secondary school (high school). This book has such a purpose. However this does not mean that the reader is given everything in limiting facilitated form, adjusted for mastering without deliberation. In reference to plasma physics this is impossible, and inexpedient. The book sets forth not only ready results of analysis of different plasma processes, but usually also the approach to these results, because, only by considering them can one properly grasp the physical meaning of the phenomena. As a basis during all calculations the absolute CGS system of units is used. In certain cases the practical system of electrical engineering units is used also. (Author).

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