  Planetary nebulae (PNe) represent the near endpoints of evolution for stars
of initial mass $\sim$1-8 $M_\odot$, wherein the envelope of an asymptotic
giant branch (AGB) star becomes photodissociated and ionized by high-energy
radiation from a newly emerging white dwarf that was the progenitor star's
core. It is increasingly evident that most PNe are descended from binary
systems. PNe hence provide unique insight into a diverse range of astrophysical
phenomena, including the influence of companion stars on the late stages of
stellar evolution; stellar wind interactions and shocks; the physics and
chemistry of photoionized plasmas and photon-dominated regions (PDRs); and
enrichment of the ISM in the products of intermediate-mass stellar
nucleosynthesis. We describe specific examples of the potential impact of the
ngVLA in each of these areas.
