Research Article
A Proposal for the Reaction Force in the Emission of Electromagnetic Radiation
Paolo Tritella*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
33-40
Received:
3 October 2025
Accepted:
17 January 2026
Published:
24 April 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajz.20260902.11
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Abstract: An equation for the radiation reaction force is proposed that does not violate causality and produces fairly intuitive
results. The equivalence principle is solved. The radiating charge appears to be in an excited state. This may seem strange,
but the Compton effect seems to confirm this assumption. Applications are made to the most relevant cases of electromagnetic
radiation emission. The results appear to confirm the correctness of the assumptions made. Motion with a constant electric field
yields results that are as one would expect. Motion under the action of a constant magnetic field occurs with the same frequency
obtained previously, and the approximation required due to the complexity of the calculations yields the spiral motion already
obtained in a previous publication starting from different assumptions. Free motion without external forces is discussed, and in
addition to uniform rectilinear motion, there is a motion that brings the charge to rest, as one would expect. A simple numerical
application is suggested for experimental verification. The key point is that, compared to classical electromagnetism, used by
all previous authors, an axiom has been added that solves the problem. Evidently, the axioms of classical electromagnetism are
not sufficient to derive an expression for the reaction force, for which one must rely on experience. The Compton effect seems
to confirm the hypotheses assumed. Before emission, the electron is off-shell, in a virtual state in which it has the extra energy
required by the formula we used. Therefore, the additional energy required is not pure fantasy, or an assumption to be verified,
one of the mysteries and wonders of quantum mechanics.
Abstract: An equation for the radiation reaction force is proposed that does not violate causality and produces fairly intuitive
results. The equivalence principle is solved. The radiating charge appears to be in an excited state. This may seem strange,
but the Compton effect seems to confirm this assumption. Applications are made to the most relevant case...
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