On the Interaction of Extended Charges in Classical Relativistic Theory

Abstract

Basic set of equations of motion for particles in the case when charge distribution of a particle at rest is spherically symmetric and localized is formulated. Various approximations for interaction forces are derived. The basic approximation is justified by the fact that particle velocities vary little on a time scale σ 0 /c ( σ 0 ~localization radius). Examples of large and small (with respect to σ 0 ) distances between particles are considered. In both cases the slow motion approximation is derived. Apart from calculation of the corrections to the point charge interaction at large distances an approach to the analysis of neutral particles (missing in the point particle theory) containing charged fragments is proposed. In addition, it is shown that at small distances charges of the same sign may attract if their mechanical masses are substantially small.