Physics – General Physics
Scientific paper
2001-05-23
Physics
General Physics
9 pages
Scientific paper
10.1016/S0034-4877(01)80042-2
The region very close to an electron ($r << r_0 = e^2/mc^2 \approx 2.8\times 10^{-13}$ cm) is, according to quantum electrodynamics, a seething maelstrom of virtual electron-positron pairs flashing in and out of existence. To take account of this well-established physical reality, a phenomenological representation for vacuum polarization is introduced into the framework of classical electrodynamics. Such a model enables a consistent picture of classical point charges with finite electromagnetic self-energy. It is further conjectured that the reaction of a point charge to its own electromagnetic field is tantamount to interaction with its vacuum polarization charge or "aura". This leads to a modification of the Lorentz-Dirac equation for the force on an accelerating electron, a new differential-difference equation which avoids the pathologies of preacceleration and runaway solutions.
No associations
LandOfFree
Classical electrodynamics with vacuum polarization: electron self-energy and radiation reaction does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Classical electrodynamics with vacuum polarization: electron self-energy and radiation reaction, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Classical electrodynamics with vacuum polarization: electron self-energy and radiation reaction will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-493083