# Mathematical puzzle from 1904 takes physical form in gold-studded helium droplets

- Source: Phys.org
- Published: 2026-10-27T13:27:51+00:00
- Category: Science
- Original: https://phys.org/news/2026-10-mathematical-puzzle-physical-gold-studded.html
- Canonical: https://groundlevelnews.com/story/mathematical-puzzle-from-1904-takes-physical-form-in-gold-studded-heli-493adf/

When identical charges repel each other but are confined to the surface of a sphere, they seek the arrangement with the lowest possible energy. The idea is simple, but the problem gets harder to solve with every charge added. The so-called Thomson problem dates back to the "plum-pudding" model of the atom, which Nobel laureate Joseph J. Thomson proposed in 1904. The atomic model has long been supe

_Ground Level News shows a short summary only; the full article and all rights belong to Phys.org._