The similar mathematical forms of Coulomb’s Law of
Electrostatics and Newton’s Law of Gravitation suggest that two
oppositely charged spheres should be able to move in a binary
orbit about their center of mass using only the electric force
as the force of attraction. To test this idea, we will attempt
to achieve a binary orbit between oppositely charged graphite
coated Styrofoam spheres. The spheres will have a mass of 5
grams and a radius of 1.5 cm. They will be charged to a surface
voltage of 20 kV (one positively and one negatively) using a
precisely controlled, current-limited, bipolar power supply.
Initially the spheres will be separated by a center to center
distance of 20 cm. Once charged, the spheres will be launched in
opposite directions (perpendicular to the line adjoining them).
A successful orbital attempt will result in the two spheres
orbiting one another about their center of mass. The
microgravity environment will minimize the effects of frictional
and gravitational forces, allowing the orbit