On the Electromagnetic Origin of Inertia and Inertial Mass

Abstract

We address the problem of inertial property of matter through analysis of the motion of an extended charged particle. Our approach is based on the continuity equation for momentum (Newton's second law) taking due account of the vector potential and its convective derivative. We obtain a development in terms of retarded potentials allowing an intuitive physical interpretation of its main terms. The inertial property of matter is then discussed in terms of a kind of induction law related to the extended charged particle's own vector potential. Moreover, it is obtained a force term that represents a drag force acting on the charged particle when in motion relatively to its own vector potential field lines. The time rate of variation of the particle's vector potential leads to the acceleration inertia reaction force, equivalent to the Schott term responsible for the source of the radiation field. We also show that the velocity dependent term of the particle's vector potential is connected with the relativistic increase of mass with velocity and generates a longitudinal stress force that is the source of electric field lines deformation. In the framework of classical electrodynamics, we have shown that the electron mass has possibly a complete electromagnetic origin and the obtained covariant equation solves the "4/3 mass paradox" for a spherical charge distribution.

An Extended Dynamical Equation of Motion, Phase Dependency and Inertial Backreaction

“…The inductive term can be identified with the Berry's geometric phase acquired over the course of a cycle, when the system is subjected to cyclic adiabatic processes. As for the electromagnetic field, the inductive effect is local and referred to absolute space, apparently countering Mach's viewpoint [19]. This work reveals a new concept of unity among the fundamental physics that govern classical mechanics and electrodynamics, from macroscopic to microscopic scales.…”

“…In this context, considerable progress has been attained in the study of the electric charge dynamics [17,18,19], where the point charge and the extended charge models of the classical electron have been analyzed.…”

The Maxwell Electromagnetic Equations and the Lorentz Type Force Derivation—The Feynman Approach Legacy

“…by the gradient term 9) and which was obtained in [17,18] and simultaneously in [19]. Here we put, by definition,…”

The Problem of Inertia in Friedmann Universes

“…Among these one can mention the suggestion that inertial forces result from the interaction of matter with electromagnetic fluctuations of the zero point field, 4 (which is assumed to be homogeneous and isotropic, a property likely also related to the large scale distribution of matter in the universe and thus to the same frame envisioned by Mach) or the attribution of inertia to the interaction of a particle with its own field, namely the self-force. 5 The implementation of Mach's principle as a quantitative law was done by D.W. Sciama 6 in 1953, by applying the formalism of electrodynamics to gravitation. According to Sciama the gravitational field of a moving particle in the universe can be expressed in terms of a "gravoelectric" part E and a "gravomagnetic" part B.…”