On the equilibrium of two oppositely charged masses in general relativity

TL;DR

This paper investigates the equilibrium configurations of two oppositely charged spherical masses in general relativity, revealing that the equilibrium is due to an induced electric field, with a focus on Bonnor's model and the double-Reissner-Nordstrom solution.

Contribution

It demonstrates the mechanism of equilibrium formation through induced electric fields in charged mass systems within general relativity, extending previous models.

Findings

Equilibrium configurations are due to an additional electric field of repulsive character.

A three-parameter family of such configurations is identified.

The analysis applies to both approximate and exact solutions.

Abstract

It is shown that the equilibrium configurations of two spherical masses carrying charges of opposite sign that are present in Bonnor's approximate model for two charged particles and also in the exact double-Reissner-Nordstrom solution are formed due to the additional electric field of the repulsive character induced in the black-hole constituent by its overcharged partner. A three-parameter family of such configurations is pointed out.