"The complexity of plasma physics makes it a difficult subject to write about in popular terms, but in The Fourth State of Matter, plasma is treated in a comprehensible language. Here the authors have combined factual substance with an easy-to-read and lucid presentation to describe plasma, its distribution in the Universe and how it is used by man. Plasma physics may hold the key to a virtually inexhaustible future energy source through the control of thermonuclear reactions. Plasma in industry is explored and present, and possible future, applications are described. A separate chapter details the history of plasma research and plasma technology." "This non-mathematical book is targeted at the general reader and can be read with little previous knowledge of physics. It explains in very plain language the nature and basic characteristics of that fascinating state of matter called plasma. It is not necessary to 'speak' physics to understand and enjoy this book. Rhyming verses, a feature retained from the first edition, are used to add fun to the explanation of what can be complicated scientific concepts."--BOOK JACKET.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [210]-214) and index.