Abstract
The relationship between negative mechanical mass and runaway solutions is studied using the model of a charged spherical shell. The model yields unexpected results: for example, for −Iel< Imech<0 a runaway solution appears, but it disappears again for Imech<−Iel, where Iel and Imech are the electromagnetic and mechanical moments of inertia of the shell. The runaway solutions of this shell are contrasted with those of the quasi-stationary electron. The standard interpretation proposed by Wildermuth of how the negative mass causes runaway solutions is shown to be incorrect. However, an alternative interpretation, based on regarding mass renormalization as if it were an “external hidden force“ is capable of explaining the above runaway solutions.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 115-119 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Zeitschrift für Physik B Condensed Matter |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 1975 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Condensed Matter Physics