Abstract
BY the study of a system of particles, which is similar to a Saturnian system, I was led to the discussion of disturbances which propagate in the system, having close analogy with the band and line spectra while illustrating the phenomena of radio-activity. The system consists of a large number of particles of equal mass arranged in a circle at equal angular intervals, and repelling each other with forces inversely proportional to the square of distance between the particles; at the centre of the circle is placed a large particle attracting the other particles forming the ring according to the same law of force. If the repelling particles be revolving about the attracting centre, the system will generally remain stable for small oscillations, which consist of the transversal vibration perpendicular to the plane of the orbit, together with the radial and angular disturbances representing the rarefaction and condensation in the distribution of the particles. Small oscillations of this kind have already been treated by Maxwell in his essays on the stability of Saturn's rings; the system will be the same if the repelling particles of the present system be substituted by the attracting satellites. Evidently the system here considered will be approximately realised if we place negative electrons in the ring and a positive charge at the centre. Such an ideal atom will not be contradictory to the results of recent experiments on kathode rays, radioactivity, and other allied phenomena.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
NAGAOKA, H. On a Dynamical System illustrating the Spectrum Lines and the Phenomena of Radio-activity. Nature 69, 392–393 (1904). https://doi.org/10.1038/069392c0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/069392c0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.