Doubts about the relativistic description of electrical interactions

In summary, the article discusses the challenges and inconsistencies in the relativistic framework used to describe electrical interactions, particularly how classical electromagnetism aligns with the principles of relativity. It highlights the difficulties in reconciling the instantaneous nature of electric forces with the finite speed of light, leading to questions about the completeness and accuracy of the relativistic model in capturing the nuances of electrical phenomena. The text calls for a reevaluation of existing theories and suggests potential avenues for further research to address these discrepancies.
  • #1
Hak
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I would like help with an issue that I have not yet fully mastered.
Consider a particle resting on a plane, it is subjected to a gravitational force, which can be interpreted as the result of a deformation of space-time.
It remains at rest due to the upward binding reaction provided by the plane. Could the electrical interactions that constitute this force be interpreted as a local deformation of space-time? I say this because it seems natural to me that two phenomena that elide each other can in fact be traced back to the same nature, and it seems quite simple to interpret how a particle is at rest if it is in a space with locally zero space-time deformation (no local curvature). Am I wrong?
Then, electric forces act over smaller distances than gravity, but equilibrium should occur where the two space-time deformations overlap at zero, no? This would explain the action-reaction principle, as the shape of space-time cannot be curved at sharp angles (second derivative less than infinity) and therefore around the equilibrium point, the limit of the first derivative on either side would tend to the same value. Therefore, from an experimental confirmation point of view, can a strong electrical interaction locally deflect a beam of light?
Thank you for any clarification.
 
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  • #2
Hak said:
Could the electrical interactions that constitute this force be interpreted as a local deformation of space-time?
Not unless you can explain why uncharged particles aren't affected by the "electric spacetime curvature". The whole reason you can model gravity as spacetime curvature is that all objects follow the same path given the same initial position and velocity in the absence of other forces and that is not true for electric forces.

Attempts to include EM in GR have been made, such as Kaluza-Klein theory. None has worked - Kaluza-Klein adds a fifth dimension, but ends up predicting the existence of a strong scalar field that we don't see.
Hak said:
electric forces act over smaller distances than gravity
No they don't. They're both infinite ranged.
 
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There is little to be gained by discussing a half-baked speculative idea like “Could the electrical interactions that constitute this force be interpreted as a local deformation of space-time?”; @ibix’s answer above explains why.
 
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FAQ: Doubts about the relativistic description of electrical interactions

What is the relativistic description of electrical interactions?

The relativistic description of electrical interactions refers to the way electric and magnetic fields transform and interact according to the principles of special relativity. This framework, developed by Albert Einstein, modifies the classical understanding of electromagnetism by incorporating the effects of relative motion between observers and charges, ensuring consistency with the finite speed of light.

How does special relativity affect the perception of electric and magnetic fields?

Special relativity shows that electric and magnetic fields are interrelated and can transform into each other depending on the relative motion of the observer. For example, a purely electric field in one frame of reference can appear as a combination of electric and magnetic fields in another frame moving relative to the first. This unification is described by the Lorentz transformations.

Why do some people doubt the relativistic description of electrical interactions?

Doubts about the relativistic description of electrical interactions often stem from misunderstandings or difficulties in visualizing the counterintuitive effects predicted by relativity. Additionally, some may question the experimental evidence or the theoretical consistency of the framework. However, extensive experimental validation and theoretical coherence support the relativistic description.

What experimental evidence supports the relativistic description of electrical interactions?

Numerous experiments support the relativistic description of electrical interactions. Key examples include the observation of time dilation and length contraction, the behavior of particles in accelerators, and the precise agreement of predictions from relativistic electrodynamics with the outcomes of experiments involving high-speed particles and electromagnetic fields.

Can classical electromagnetism fully explain electrical interactions without relativity?

Classical electromagnetism, described by Maxwell's equations, works well at low velocities but fails to account for phenomena involving high-speed particles or when considering observers in relative motion. Special relativity extends classical electromagnetism to provide accurate predictions in all inertial frames, ensuring consistency with the principle that the speed of light is constant in all reference frames.

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