Debye and Falkenhagen [Phys. Z. 29, 121 (1928)] analyzed a linear initial/boundary value problem for a differential equation of diffusion type to model the phenomenon of relaxation in electrolytes; specifically, they sought to characterize the disappearance in time of the radially symmetrical and static charge distribution surrounding an individual motionless ion after the latter is instantaneously removed. A detailed reexamination discloses the existence of multiple solutions for the posed problem, with agreement as regards the initial condition and disparity as regards behavior at the central location. A regular solution during the entire relaxation regime is exhibited and offered in place of the classical one, due to Debye and Falkenhagen, which retains a singular nature at the site originally occupied by the reference ion.

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© 1985 American Institute of Physics.
1985
American Institute of Physics
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