On the Stability of Electrostatic Orbits

Abstract

We analyze the stability of two charged conducting spheres orbiting each other. Due to charge polarization, the electrostatic force between the two spheres deviates significantly from $1/r^2$ as they come close to each other. As a consequence, there exists a critical angular momentum, $L_c$, with a corresponding critical radius $r_c$. For $L > L_c$ two circular orbits are possible: one at $r > r_c$ that is stable and the other at $r < r_c$ that is unstable. This critical behavior is analyzed as a function of the charge and the size ratios of the two spheres.