Magnetohydrodynamics in a Reacting Medium

The effect of ionization and recombination on the propagation of waves through a three-component, magnetoactive plasma is examined in the magnetohydrodynamic limit. Ionization and recombination are assumed to result from several types of reactions. A new set of nonlinear equations is derived to describe the dynamic behavior of the system. To first-order in the coupling frequencies, the magnetohydrodynamic waves are exponentially damped with a time constant which is isotropic for the Alfvén mode and slightly anisotropic for the fast and slow modes. The sound mode in the neutral fluid is damped with a time constant which is also isotropic. All modes are stable.