Mathematical puzzle from 1904 takes physical form in gold-studded helium droplets
When identical charges repel each other but are confined to the surface of a sphere, they seek the arrangement with the lowest possible energy. The idea is simple, but the problem gets harder to solve with every charge added. The so-called Thomson problem dates back to the "plum-
When identical charges repel each other but are confined to the surface of a sphere, they seek the arrangement with the lowest possible energy. The idea is simple, but the problem gets harder to solve with every charge added. The so-called Thomson problem dates back to the "plum- This story matters for Science & Discovery readers tracking science. Reported by phys.org. Read the full original at the source link below.
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