Abstract
Starting from the Bogolyubov hierarchy for the equilibrium distribution functions, a novel approach to the chemical model of partially ionized plasmas is proposed. Unlike the ordinary chemical picture it allows one to determine, in a self-consistent manner, both the ionization equilibrium and correlation functions as well. It is shown that the charged and neutral components of the plasma are closely interrelated and, as a consequence, the short-range order formation turns possible. The equation of state of partially ionized hydrogen plasmas is studied and detailed comparison with an exact quantum-mechanical expansion is made. The approach developed is quite analogous to the Debye–Hückel theory of weakly coupled fully ionized plasmas and includes it as a limiting case.