Heat capacities at fixed volume and pressure as a function of the degree of ionization are graphically depicted as functions of reciprocal temperature and ionization degree. The polytropic index is calculated as a function of the same variables; as it is not constant a partially ionized plasma can be only approximately polytropic fluid. In parallel, it is launched the idea that Alfven waves can be used to heat the plasma in a propulsion jet with magnetic nozzle.
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