Abstract

The distribution of free electrical charges transferred to cloud droplets by ionic diffusion provides an illuminating example of a simple statistical process. Tables are constructed from first principles, shown to agree with successive terms of the binomial point equation of statistics, and applied to the initial stages of droplet electrification. The final equilibrium distribution, described by the basic electrification equation for aerosols, corresponds to an equipartition between the electrostatic energy of the droplets and their thermal kinetic energy.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call