CLASSICAL ELECTRON THEORY FROM A MODERN STANDPOINT
Abstract
The classical theory of a charged point particle interacting with the electromagnetic field is developed from first principles. The formalism is constructed so as to reveal the underlying physic and to stress the similarity between the classical theory and the corresponding quantum theory. A number of traditionally troublesome points are discussed, including the electro agnetic selfenergy, the relativistic radiation-reaction eq ation, the occurrence and removal of runaway modes, the radiation from a uniformly accelerated charge, an the relation between Maxwell's electrodynamics and the action-at-a-distance theory of Wheeler and Feynman. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0264604
Entities
People
- Sidney Coleman
Organizations
- RAND Corporation