For the binary division of electrically charged liquid drops a (pseudo) saddle point configuration is considered consisting of two spheres of radii r1 and r2, a distance α(r1 + r2) apart.Computation of surface energy and Coulomb energy terms shows that an asymmetric configuration, i.e., r1 ≠ r2 is energetically favored for all values of the fissionability parameter [Formula: see text], where x is defined as x = Q2/16πR3γ for the original drop with charge Q, radius R, and surface tension γ. Minimization of the energy terms requires a charge transfer directed towards the smaller sphere.Uniform, but not necessarily equal, surface charge is assumed for the two-sphere configuration. A more exact solution involving image charges gives very similar results.The present results for sphere separations α = 1 to α = ∞ confirm previous work in which a value of α = ∞ only was considered.

The division of an electrically charged drop into two drops is considered. It is shown that for symmetric division the surface energy and electric energy of the final state of the system are at a minimum only if the surface charge Q on the drop of radius R and surface tension γ is[Formula: see text]If, however, Q2 is a fraction of this value, asymmetric division leads to a minimum of the final energy terms.Results of the photographic observation of the division of charged water drops in paraffin oil support the theory, i.e. asymmetric division is observed. Symmetry is approached for higher charges on the drops.For the division of uniformly volume-charged drops the theory predicts symmetric division.Theoretical energy–asymmetry plots bear a strong resemblance to fission-yield curves. The validity of the application of the theory to the observed asymmetry in nuclear fission is discussed.

It is shown that asymmetric mass division is to be expected in fission of a charged liquid drop if the charge is allowed to move freely between incipient fragments under the influence of the Coulomb field. For a nuclear fluid, forces which inhibit and which favor charge polarization are discussed. Parallels are drawn between the qualitative features of the polarizable liquid drop and fissioning nuclei.