ASYMMETRY IN THE ELECTROSTATIC DISPERSION OF LIQUIDS

Abstract

The division of an electrically charged drop into two drops is considered. It is shown that for symmetric division the surface energy and electric energy of the final state of the system are at a minimum only if the surface charge Q on the drop of radius R and surface tension γ is[Formula: see text]If, however, Q² is a fraction of this value, asymmetric division leads to a minimum of the final energy terms.Results of the photographic observation of the division of charged water drops in paraffin oil support the theory, i.e. asymmetric division is observed. Symmetry is approached for higher charges on the drops.For the division of uniformly volume-charged drops the theory predicts symmetric division.Theoretical energy–asymmetry plots bear a strong resemblance to fission-yield curves. The validity of the application of the theory to the observed asymmetry in nuclear fission is discussed.