Conclusions Not Yet Drawn from the Unsolved 4/3-Problem—How to Get a Stable Classical Electron
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: It has been known for over 100 years that there is a discrepancy between Maxwell’s electrodynamics and the idea of a classical electron as the “atom” of electricity. This incompatibility is known under the terms 4/3 problem of the classical electron and radiation reaction force and was circumvented in the currently most successful theories, the quantum field theories, by limit value considerations, by the mutual subtraction of infinities, i.e., by purely mathematical methods that eliminate obvious contradictions but are not really based on an intuitive understanding of its physical causes. The actual origin of the problems mentioned lies in the instability of the classical electron. Stabilization cannot be achieved within the framework of Maxwell’s electrodynamics. This raises the question of what a minimal change to the fundamentals of electrodynamics should look like, which contains Maxwell’s theory as a limiting case. A detailed analysis of the 4/3 problem points to models that fulfill these requirements.
Source: Universe
Author: Manfried Faber
Institution: TU Wien
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,930
OpenAlex ID: W4408520483