The Origin of the Radiation Reaction Force

TL;DR

This paper investigates the origin of the radiation reaction force, showing it arises from the stress in the charge's electric field rather than the emitted radiation itself, challenging traditional views.

Contribution

It proposes that the radiation reaction force is due to the stress in the electric field, not directly from the emitted radiation, offering a new perspective on radiation dynamics.

Findings

No radiation reaction force at zero velocity

The work against the stress in the electric field accounts for radiated energy

Radiation reaction is linked to electric field stress, not emitted radiation

Abstract

The emission of radiation from an accelerated charge is analyzed. It is found that at zero velocity, the radiation emitted from the charge imparts no counter momentum to the emitting charge, and no radiation reaction force is created by the radiation. A reaction force is created by the stress force that exists in the curved electric field of the charge, and the work done in overcoming this force is the source of the energy carried by the radiation.