Stokes' law of fall completely corrected

Abstract

The present problem is one of fundamental interest: first, from the standpoint of the kinetic theory, since its solution definitely settles moot questions as to the reflection of molecules which have been in controversy since Maxwell's time; second, from the standpoint of electronic physics, since no subelectron theories have any basis whatever when the complete law of motion of particles of all sizes is known, and third, from the standpoint of cosmical physics, since the rate of settling of cosmical dust and of condensed vapor through the atmospheres of planets can now be quite accurately predicted, and since it may have interesting bearings upon theories of atmospheric electricity.