Physics – Classical Physics
Scientific paper
2011-03-08
Phys.Lett.A375:1703-1709,2011
Physics
Classical Physics
Scientific paper
10.1016/j.physleta.2011.03.015
We analyse the "Einstein box" thought experiment and the definition of the momentum of light inside matter. We stress the importance of the total energy-momentum tensor of the closed system (electromagnetic field plus material medium) and derive in detail the relativistic expressions for the Abraham and Minkowski momenta, together with the corresponding balance equations for an isotropic and homogeneous medium. We identify some assumptions hidden in the Einstein box argument, which make it weaker than it is usually recognized. In particular, we show that the Abraham momentum is not uniquely selected as the momentum of light in this case.
Ramos Tomas
Rubilar Guillermo F.
~Obukhov Yuri N.
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