A Dynamical System illustrating the Spectrum Lines and the Phenomena of Radio-activity

Abstract

IN NATURE of February 25 there appeared a letter by Prof. Nagaoka, of Tokyo, relative to the stability and vibrations of a ring of negative electric charges revolving about a central positive charge. Prof. Nagaoka states that such a system is generally stable, but as the result of an investigation by the method used by Maxwell for Saturn's ring, I came to the conclusion some five years ago that the system is unstable if the law of electric force be that of the inverse square and the magnetic force be neglected. Consequently I thought the result not worth publication, but in view of Prof. Nagaoka's letter it may now be of interest to your readers.