Explaining Incompatibility of Electrodynamics & Special Relativity

In summary, there is a claimed contradiction between basic electromagnetism and momentum conservation, as highlighted in a news article and corresponding arXiv submission. The figure in the article shows a setup where the net force should be zero, but when viewed by a moving observer, a torque seems to arise. However, this is an unpublished result and further discussion will await its publication in a journal.
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explanation for "Incompatibility with special relativity and momentum conservation"?

Can anyone provide an explanation for this claimed contradiction between basic electromagnetism and momentum conservation?

(Sorry, as a new member I can't post links.)

News article: "Textbook Electrodynamics May Contradict Relativity" at by Adrian Cho at Science, DOI 10.1126/science.336.6080.404

Corresponding arXiv submission: 1205.0096 "Trouble with the Lorentz law of force: Incompatibility with special relativity and momentum conservation"

The lower half of the figure in the news article explains the idea better than I can in words; to see a copy of the figure, go to the imgur page xrDXb. In the lower left of the figure the net force should be zero. However, the lower right corresponds to the same setup viewed by a moving observer, and there seems to be a torque that arises.
 
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We don't discuss unpublished results. When this is published in a journal, we'll reopen this thread.
 

Related to Explaining Incompatibility of Electrodynamics & Special Relativity

What is the incompatibility between electrodynamics and special relativity?

The incompatibility between electrodynamics and special relativity arises due to the fact that the equations of electrodynamics, which describe the behavior of electric and magnetic fields, are not consistent with the principles of special relativity. This is known as the "Lorentz invariance problem."

What is the Lorentz invariance problem?

The Lorentz invariance problem refers to the fact that the equations of electrodynamics, which were developed before the theory of special relativity, do not obey the principles of special relativity. This means that the equations do not remain the same in all inertial reference frames, which is a fundamental principle of special relativity.

What is the solution to the incompatibility between electrodynamics and special relativity?

The solution to the incompatibility between electrodynamics and special relativity was proposed by Einstein in his theory of general relativity. This theory reconciles the principles of special relativity with the equations of electrodynamics by incorporating gravity into the framework of special relativity.

Why was it important to reconcile electrodynamics and special relativity?

The reconciliation of electrodynamics and special relativity was important because it allowed for a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the universe. It also led to predictions that have been confirmed by experiments, such as the bending of light by massive objects and the existence of gravitational waves.

What are the implications of the compatibility between electrodynamics and special relativity?

The compatibility between electrodynamics and special relativity has significant implications for our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature. It has led to the development of new theories, such as quantum electrodynamics, which combine the principles of special relativity with quantum mechanics. It has also played a crucial role in the development of technologies such as GPS and particle accelerators.

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