On redefinitions of the energy momentum tensor
Abstract
We analyse some redefinitions of the energy-momentum tensor of Classical Electrodynamics. Usually it has been considered as a necessary and sufficient criterion for redefining the energy-momentum tensor that the new tensor yields the "true" equation of motion of the electron, that is, the Lorentz-Dirac equation. We show that such a property is not sufficient. In fact, we study two specific examples in which the redefined energy momentum tensor yields a Lorentz-Dirac equation. However, in both cases the corresponding rate of emission associated to them is different to the well-known Larmor rate.
- Publication:
-
Annals of Physics
- Pub Date:
- January 1975
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0003-4916(75)90303-6
- Bibcode:
- 1975AnPhy..89..241V
- Keywords:
-
- Dirac Equation;
- Electrodynamics;
- Energy Conservation;
- Momentum Theory;
- Tensors;
- Lorentz Transformations;
- Maxwell Equation;
- Perturbation Theory;
- Physics (General)