We present a new description of linear Landau damping of plasma waves.
The process is found to be governed by a set of two equations with an
energy conservation law that is different from the standard form. An
analytical solution containing an explicit expression for the velocity
distribution function is given. The effect of different initial condi
tions is demonstrated numerically. We argue that our new approach has
several advantages as compared with the standard presentations of intr
oductory plasma textbooks. (C) 1997 American Association of Physics Te
achers.