The Virial Theorem as Pe = 1/2: A Universal Bound-State Law from Hydrogen to Binary Stars
Abstract
Derives the Péclet number formulation of the virial theorem: for all systems bound by 1/r² forces, the equilibrium ratio of kinetic to binding energy is exactly Pe = 1/2. The ionization or escape threshold is Pe = 1 — the universal V* crossing. This unifies hydrogen ionization, planetary orbital mechanics, binary star evaporation, and galactic escape velocity under a single dimensionless framework. Empirically anchored via the Saha equation across nine atomic species and corroborated by the Jeans mass criterion.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Stellar
planetary
and galactic studies
Galaxies: Formation
Evolution
Phenomena
Relativity and Gravitational Theory
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 27 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Preprint