Explaining Incompatibility of Electrodynamics & Special Relativity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the incompatibility between classical electrodynamics and special relativity, particularly regarding momentum conservation. The article "Textbook Electrodynamics May Contradict Relativity" by Adrian Cho highlights this issue, referencing arXiv submission 1205.0096, which addresses the Lorentz law of force. A key point is the observation of a torque in a scenario viewed by a moving observer, suggesting that the net force is not zero, contradicting established principles of momentum conservation. This contradiction raises significant questions about the foundational aspects of physics as currently understood.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical electrodynamics principles
  • Familiarity with special relativity concepts
  • Knowledge of momentum conservation laws
  • Ability to interpret scientific articles and figures
NEXT STEPS
  • Read the article "Textbook Electrodynamics May Contradict Relativity" by Adrian Cho
  • Review arXiv submission 1205.0096 for detailed analysis of the Lorentz law of force
  • Examine the implications of torque in relativistic contexts
  • Investigate further discussions on the reconciliation of electrodynamics and relativity
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and researchers interested in the foundations of electromagnetism and relativity will benefit from this discussion.

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explanation for "Incompatibility with special relativity and momentum conservation"?

Can anyone provide an explanation for this claimed contradiction between basic electromagnetism and momentum conservation?

(Sorry, as a new member I can't post links.)

News article: "Textbook Electrodynamics May Contradict Relativity" at by Adrian Cho at Science, DOI 10.1126/science.336.6080.404

Corresponding arXiv submission: 1205.0096 "Trouble with the Lorentz law of force: Incompatibility with special relativity and momentum conservation"

The lower half of the figure in the news article explains the idea better than I can in words; to see a copy of the figure, go to the imgur page xrDXb. In the lower left of the figure the net force should be zero. However, the lower right corresponds to the same setup viewed by a moving observer, and there seems to be a torque that arises.
 
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We don't discuss unpublished results. When this is published in a journal, we'll reopen this thread.
 

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