TITLE:
A Note on Momentum Conservation in the Non-Relativistic Lorentz Theory of Radiation Reaction
AUTHORS:
Rajat Roy
KEYWORDS:
Radiation Reaction, Classical Electrodynamics, Momentum Conservation
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.6 No.7,
July
4,
2019
ABSTRACT: The Lorentz theory of radiation reaction in the non relativistic limit is critically examined from the principles of symmetry. In Newtonian motion the applied force and the consequent momentum change generally always have a direction. In the case of a charged body this momentum change is accompanied by the radiation of photons. The question that needs to be answered is: does this radiated field carry any momentum? The following result of investigations seems to indicate this fact contrary to the prediction of Lorentz theory which states that the field carries no net momentum.