Physics of Fully Ionized Gases

by Lyman S. Spitzer Jr.

An introductory course in theoretical physics is the sole prerequisite for this general but simple introduction to the fields of plasma and fusion research. Subjects include the motion of a particle, macroscopic behavior of a plasma, waves in a plasma, and more. 1962 edition.

Genres: Physics, Science

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1962

Reviews

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the original 1962 edition, not the Dover reprint, but it is fair to say that this book changed my life. I found it in the local library when I was in high school, and it opened new doors into what could be understood with mathematics. The books started a fascination with plasma physics that has never gone away, forced me to learn new math just to understand what Spitzer was saying, and had me fascinated with magnetohydrodynamic effects long before i really understood them. I sometimes wonder if I would have studied physics if I hadn't run across this book and become amazed at what could be done with a little math. I've learned since that this was at one time the most cited publication in plasma physics during the early 1960s, so it wasn't just me that it impressed. I came back to the book with better tools for understanding int he late 1970s, and still found it a worthwhile read. A lot of information about how the 4th state of matter works, packing into a very tight package.