Interaction of two dielectric macroparticles

The electrostatic interaction of two charged dielectric spherical particles with a nonuniform freecharge distribution over their surfaces in an external homogeneous electric field is considered. An exact solution for the electric field potential is obtained, and an analytical expression for the interaction force between these two particles is found. The case of a uniform free-charge distribution is considered in detail, and the region of parameters in the plane “the ratio of the radii vs. the ratio of the charges,” where repulsion between two like-charged particles turns into attraction as the interparticle distance decreases is established.