An electric charge feels its own self electric field

[fog37]

Hello,

In classical electromagnetism, we learn that an electric charge generates and electric field which other charges can feel through a force. But the source charge does not feel its own generated electric field.

In reality, a charge feels its own field. Why are we able to ignore this effect? Is it truly small for all practical purposes?

Thank you!

 

[PeterDonis]

In reality, a charge feels its own field.

How do you know this?

 

[fog37]

Well, I was reading something about the Abraham-Lorentz force. But I need to read more before I can share more explanations...

 

[phyzguy]

The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Volume 2, Chapter 28, has an excellent introduction to this question. , which is very readable, although perhaps somewhat dated. It is available for free online here.

http://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/II_28.html