Division of the momentum of electromagnetic waves in linear media into electromagnetic and material parts

TL;DR

This paper proposes a natural division of electromagnetic wave momentum in linear media into electromagnetic and material parts, verified through examples, relativity considerations, and an experimental prediction for radiation pressure.

Contribution

It introduces a consistent method to separate electromagnetic and material momentum in linear media using the Lorentz force law and relativistic principles.

Findings

Correct momentum balance equations derived in various examples

Compatibility of the division with Einstein's relativity demonstrated

Experimental prediction for radiation pressure on mirrors in media

Abstract

It is proposed a natural and consistent division of the momentum of electromagnetic waves in linear, non-dispersive and non-absorptive dielectric and magnetic media into material and electromagnetic parts. The material part is calculated using directly the Lorentz force law and the electromagnetic momentum density has the same form than in vacuum, without an explicit dependence on the properties of the media. The consistency of the treatment is verified through the obtention of a correct momentum balance equation in many examples and showing the compatibility of the division with the Einstein's theory of relativity by the use of a gedanken experiment. An experimental prediction for the radiation pressure on mirrors immersed in linear dielectric and magnetic media is also made.