English

(not quite) Theoretical Proof of the Lorentz Force Formula

Classical Physics 2007-05-23 v4

Abstract

There is actually a mistake in this paper, but it is still a nice try worth a read. It is (not quite) proved that within the framework of Special Relativity, a force exerted on a \emph{classical particle} by a field must be of the form \yvE+\yvv×\yvB\yv{E}+\yv{v}\times\yv{B}, the Lorentz force form. The proof makes use of an action principle in which the action is the sum of a free particle part, and an interaction part.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.physics/0508169,
  title  = {(not quite) Theoretical Proof of the Lorentz Force Formula},
  author = {Yoav Kleinberger},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0508169},
  year   = {2007}
}

Comments

A subtle mistake was found. This paper is actually mistaken, but still a nice try worth a read :)