The orbits of a charged particle round an electric and magnetic nucleus

The following communication is formally a complement to one published in the 'Proceedings' of the Society on "The Effect of the Magneton on the Scattering of α-Rays." In the present paper the more general case of a central positively charged nucleus possessing mass and a magnetic moment is considered. The case is treated as if the mass of the nucleus is so large compared with that of the revolving particle that it may be regarded as fixed. It is, therefore, not directly applicable when the revolving body is an α-particle except in cases where the central mass is large compared with that of the hydrogen atom. It is shown later what modification is needed when the motion of the nucleus is not large enough to affect its magnetic quality. The former paper was suggested by certain theories relating to the scattering of α and β-particles by matter. In the present, however, the chief interest lies in the discussion of the nature and properties of the various orbits, more especially of such as do not extend to infinity, or as they may be called "local orbits." In both cases the motion in the equatorial plane of the magneton alone is considered.