Free energy of nonideal atomic plasma

An expression is derived for the free energy of nonideal atomic plasma, which corresponds to exact asymptotic expansions. The analytical dependence of correction for the interaction of free charges on the atomic partition function is found. It is demonstrated that the consistent inclusion of the contribution by excited atomic states to the thermodynamic functions of nonideal atomic plasma brings about a significant modification of the conventionally employed equation of state and equation of ionization equilibrium.