Translation:On the Theory of Relativity II: Four-dimensional Vector Analysis

From testwiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Template:Translation header


Template:Center block

§ 5. The differential operations of four-dimensional vector analysis.

Instead of Template:Sc's general symbol lor (Lorentz operation), we introduce the more specific differential operator

Template:Center

as four-dimensional extensions of the usual operations in ordinary vector-calculus

Template:Center

The summarizing symbol lor will be preferred (similarly to the Template:Scian in ordinary vector calculus), when one wants (neglecting the illustrative meaning of the single steps) to symbolically verify the vector formulas. However, since at this place as well as in part I, exactly this geometrical interpretation shall be emphasized, it es recommendable to specialize the symbol lor (depending on its application to six-, four-vectors or scalars) in the given way. There, the divergence operation is employed in a dual meaning, as vector divergence and as scalar divergence, so that four fundamental vector operations actually exist in four dimensions, against the three differential operations of ordinary vector calculus. For distinction, I will write the vector divergence by German letters (𝔇𝔦𝔳), the scalar divergence by Latin ones (Div).

Template:Pagenum We will operate at any place, as if the fourth of our world coordinates xyzl were real (in this connection, see the note on p. 752 of part I). This fiction, as far as I see, nowhere encounters difficulties, it is, on the other hand, an essential presupposition for the simplicity of the geometrical way of expression, according to which we will speak in the following, for example, simply about a perpendicularity instead of a non-euclidean perpendicularity, and it makes it possible to supplement the four-dimensional vector expressions in the closest way to the well-known three-dimensional ones.

The following way traversed by us twice in opposite direction, allows us to see that our list might be complete, and that the results obtained in this way, are by their definition independent of the coordinate system.

a) The scalar divergence. Let ΔΣ be an arbitrarily formed, four-dimensional, and infinitely small section of space[1] in the surrounding of the considered spacetime-point Q, ds the element of the (three-dimensional) boundary of ΔΣ, n the outer normal to dS. Let P be an arbitrary four-vector, Pn its normal component formed in the sense of equation (7). From the four-vector P a scalar magnitude Div P emerges, which we define as follows[2]:

Template:Optional style|(16) Div P=𝖫𝗂𝗆ΔΣ=0PndσΔΣ

where the integration with respect to ds is to be extended over the entire boundary of ΔΣ.

If we choose ΔΣ especially as a four-dimensional parallelepiped with edge lengths dx dy dz dl, then we have

Template:Optional style|(16a) Div P=Pxx+Pyy+Pzz+Pll.

Template:Pagenum If P is the four-density defined in (1), then, as it was noticed by Template:Sc,

Template:Center

becomes identical with the left-hand side of the continuity equation in ordinary hydrodynamics of compressible fluids (up to the factor 1/c).

b) The vector divergence. While we started under a) with a vector of first kind (four-vector) where we obtained a "vector of zero kind" (scalar), we now start with a vector of second kind (six-vector) and derive a vector of first kind (four-vector) from it. Its component with respect to an arbitrary direction s is defined by us in the following way. Let S be the three-dimensional space extended through the considered spacetime-point Q perpendicular to s, ΔS an infinitely small area of it in the surrounding of Q, dσ the element of its (two-dimensional) boundary; the plane perpendicular to it, unequivocally defined by note 2 on p. 753 and containing both the direction s as well as the (outer) normal direction n of dσ extended in space S, shall be indicated by sn, and fsn shall denote the component of six-vector f (formed in the sense of equation (8)) with respect to this plane. Then, let the s-component of the vector-divergence of f be:

Template:Optional style|(17) 𝔇𝔦𝔳 fs=𝖫𝗂𝗆ΔS=0fsndσΔS

where the integration with respect to dσ is related to the whole boundary of ΔS.

If we especially choose s as x-direction, ΔS as three-dimensional parallelepiped (located in yzl-space) of border length dy, dz, dl, then it is given by (17):

Template:Center

and somewhat more generally for any of the coordinate directions j=x,y,z,l:

Template:Optional style|(17a) 𝔇𝔦𝔳 fj=fjxx+fjyy+fjzz+fjll

Template:Pagenum in which instant one of the four derivatives, of course, vanishes due to fjj=0. The formal agreement of this formation with that in (16a) may motivate us to maintain, despite of the different geometrical meaning, the same name.

If f particularly means the six-vector of the field, then, for example, due to (2a) and (2a) it becomes for j=x:

Template:Center

and for j=l:

Template:Center

According to the field equations, the first expression is equal to ϱ𝔳x/c and the latter equal to iϱ, so that the four-density directly emerges from the field vector by operation 𝔇𝔦𝔳. The first half of the Template:Sc equations, including the electric divergence condition, can thus simply be written:

Template:Optional style|(18) 𝔇𝔦𝔳 f=P

c) The supplement of rotation. We start with a vector of third kind 𝔄 (three-dimensional space magnitude, see part I, p. 759), with which we simultaneously consider its supplement (a vector of first kind), denote by us as 𝔅 for distinction, where 𝔅x=𝔄yzl for example. From that, we derive a vector of second kind, the rotation of 𝔄 or the supplement of the rotation of 𝔅; its component with respect to a plane ss is defined by us as follows: Let σ be the plane normal to ss through the considered point Q, Δσ an infinitely small area of σ in the surrounding of Q, ds a boundary element of Δσ. The normal space with respect to ds contains the directions ss and the direction of the outer normal n (drawn within Δσ) with respect to ds. The component of 𝔄 with respect to this normal space is 𝔄ssn=𝔅s. Then, let the component of rotation of 𝔄 with respect to plane ss be:

Template:Optional style|(19) {Rotss𝔄=𝖫𝗂𝗆Δσ=0𝔄ssndsΔσ=𝖫𝗂𝗆Δσ=0𝔅sdsΔσ

Template:Pagenum If, for example, Δσ is a rectangle with side-lengths dn, ds, where the succession of the directions ssns is the positive one, i.e. the same as that of the axes xyzl, then:

Template:Optional style|(19a) {Rotss𝔄=1dn ds{ds𝔅sndndn𝔅nsds}=𝔅sn𝔅ns

It is in agreement with the following definition for the rotation of a vector of first kind 𝔅 and the earlier equation (4c) for the connection of a six-vector with its supplement, when we also write instead:

Template:Optional style|(19b) Rotns𝔅=Rotss*𝔅=Rotss𝔄=Rotns*𝔄.

By the definition (19) we thus calculate the supplement of rotation with respect to plane ss for the vector of first kind 𝔅, or the rotation with respect to its perpendicular plane ns; but simultaneously also the rotation for the plane ss for the vector of third kind 𝔄, or its supplement for its perpendicular plane ns.

d) The gradient. It would be in agreement with the things done thus far, to start with a four-dimensional space magnitude U, which (as undirected) will have a scalar character, and to derive from it a vector of third kind, which (by its components) shall be taken with respect to an arbitrary space sss. For that, we would have (in the direction normal to sss) to separate an infinitely small, linear area Δn, and the difference ΔU as replacement for the degenerated integration over the boundary points of Δn, and eventually to form as component of the emerging vector of third kind:

Template:Center

Instead, we will dually reverse our process by starting with a vector of zero kind V, i.e. a scalar magnitude too, and derive from it a vector of first kind, the gradient of V, by accordingly defining its component with respect to direction s:

Template:Optional style|(20) GradsV=Vs,

Template:Pagenum thus especially its four right-angled components by:

Template:Optional style|(20a) Vx, Vy, Vz, Vl

c) Rotation. Now, we start with a vector of first kind 𝔅 and derive from it the vector of second kind, its rotation. We obtain its component with respect to any plane, by separating an area Δσ from this plane, then we extend the line integral of 𝔅 around it etc., according to the formula analogous to (19) and (19a,b):

Rotss𝔅=𝖫𝗂𝗆Δσ=0𝔅sdsΔσ=𝔅ss𝔅ss Template:Optional style|(21)

Under ss we shall understand two mutually perpendicular directions located in Δσ, so that the rotation from s to s has the same orientation, as the rotation of s around Δσ. In the current process we thus directly obtain the rotation of a vector of first kind, instead of its supplement as in c).

A suitable example gives the concept of electrodynamic potential, to whose natural introduction we will resort in the next paragraph at equation (25a), while it is only historically mentioned at this place. Let us combine the vector potential 𝔄 and the scalar potential φ of the ordinary theory to the "vector potential" Φ, with the components

Template:Optional style|(21a) Φx=𝔄x, Φy=𝔄y, Φz=𝔄z, Φl=iφ

From it, the field can be calculated by the uniform formula

Template:Optional style|(21b) f=Rot Φ

for example (see (21)):

Template:Optional style|(21b) {fxy=ΦyxΦxy=𝔄yx𝔄xy,fxl=ΦlxΦxl=i(φx+1c𝔄xt),

which summarizes the asymmetric formulas of ordinary theory:

Template:Center

Template:Pagenum Between the scalar and vector potential, in the ordinary theory one has the complicated condition:

Template:Center

which now simply reads by (16a):

Template:Optional style|(21c) Div Φ=0

b') The supplement of vector divergence. Starting from a vector of second kind f, we derive the component of a vector of third kind with respect to any space S, by separating (within S) an infinitely small space section ΔS with the two-dimensional surface element dσ and the mutually perpendicular direction ss contained in it. While we formed the normal component of f to dσ in b), we now consider the surface integral of the tangential component of f, namely:

Template:Optional style|(22) 𝔇𝔦𝔳 fs*=𝖫𝗂𝗆ΔS=0fssdσΔS

If we especially choose s as x-direction, and ΔS as three-dimensional parallelepiped in yzl-space, then the three surface pairs ss become parallel to its boundary or zl, ly, yz respectively, and therefore:

𝔇𝔦𝔳 fx*=fzly+flyz+fyzl. Template:Optional style|(22a)

For the right-hand side we can write by (4b):

Template:Center

by which the chosen denotation 𝔇𝔦𝔳 fx* and more general 𝔇𝔦𝔳 fs* are justified with respect to (17a). If f means the field vector, we have by (22a) and (2):

Template:Center

similarly for the y- and z-direction and for the l-axis:

Template:Center

However, these expressions vanish according to the Template:Sc field equations; the second half of these equations, Template:Pagenum including the magnetic divergence condition, can thus be written:

Template:Optional style|(18*) 𝔇𝔦𝔳 f*=0

a') The scalar divergence. Starting from a vector of third kind and its components with respect to the tangential spaces of a four-dimensional space section ΔΣ, one could (from the vector of third kind) eventually derive a scalar magnitude - its divergence - by the definition analogous to a). Due to the mutual interchangeability of the vectors of third and first kind (see the end of § 1), nothing new would emerge with respect to a).

The differential operations considered here, are (by their geometric introduction in which coordinate system were not mentioned at all) independent of the choice of reference frame; their coordinate expressions are thus behaving invariant or covariant with respect to Lorentz transformations. This especially applies to the field equations (18) and (18*). The complicated calculations, by which Template:Sc (1895 and 1904) and Template:Sc (1905) proved their applicability independent from the coordinate system, and by which they had to show the meaning of the transformed field vectors, thus become irrelevant in the system of Template:Sc's "world".

§ 6. The integral theorems of Template:Sc in four dimensions.

As one directly obtains (in ordinary vector calculus) the theorems of Template:Sc and Template:Sc from the concept of div and rot, and Template:Sc's theorem is supplemented to that of Template:Sc by means of the concept of grad, one also will obtain three integral theorems from the concepts of scalar and vectorial divergence and rotation, which we will denote as theorem of Template:Sc, Template:Sc, and Template:Sc; there, the "Template:Sc theorem" stands in the middle between the actual theorem of Template:Sc and Template:Sc, in the same way as the concept of vector divergence stands between that of scalar divergence and rotation. The theorem of Template:Sc thus follows from the connection of the theorem of Template:Sc with the concept of gradients.

Template:Pagenum a) The theorem of Template:Sc. It reads, when P is a four-vector, Σ a four-dimensional space area, S its three-dimensional boundary with the outer normal n:

Template:Optional style|(23) ΣDiv P dΣ=SPndS

Namely, if one separates the space area Σ into sufficiently small space-elements dΣ, and applies to any of them the same equation (16), then over the boundaries all inner ones are canceled from dS, since they appear twice with opposite sign, and only the parts of the outer boundary S of Σ remain.

In particular let be div P=0. If one constructs a tube of P-lines (lines having everywhere the direction of vector P) and if one cuts the tube at an arbitrary place by a ("plane" or curved) space S, then according to the theorem of Template:Sc, one always obtains the same value of PndS. Herein lies, when P means the four-density, the independence of charge from the reference system (see I. p. 752).

b) The two forms of the theorem of Template:Sc. Let f be a six-vector, S an arbitrary (not necessarily "plane") three-dimensional space section located within the four-dimensional "world", and s the normal upon an element dS of the same. The boundary of space S, which will be a closed two-times extended surface, be σ; the single element dσ we imagine as determined by two mutually perpendicular directions ss, and the surface element normal to dσ as determined by the directions s (perpendicular to S) and n (within S perpendicular to dσ). Depending as to whether we project f to the surface element normal to dσ, or to dσ itself, we obtain the components fsn or fss. Then by equations (17) and (22):

Template:Optional style|(24) S𝔇𝔦𝔳 fsdS=σfsndσ

and

Template:Optional style|(24*) S𝔇𝔦𝔳 fs*dS=σfssdσ

Template:Pagenum The proof (decomposition of space S into sufficiently small elements ΔS etc.) is the same as under a).

One can use these two forms of the theorem of Template:Sc, to rewrite Template:Sc's differential equations (18) and (18a) in integral form.

For this purpose, one considers a two-times-extended closed surface σ located in the "world", then puts a three-times extended space S through it, and understands sssn as direction as it was explained above. Then it applies due to (24) and (18) or due to (24*) and (18*):

Template:Optional style|(24a) σfsndσ=SPsdS, σfssdσ=0

To emphasize the relation of these formulas to the ordinary integral formulation of Template:Sc's equations, we consider two special cases:

1. The surface σ lies in xyz-space. Thus

Template:Center

and we have the known relations:

Template:Center

2. The surface σ be an infinitely flat cylinder, whose basis in xyz-space lies, with the generator (length dl), parallel to the l-axis. Stemming from the mantle of the cylinder, one obtains for the left-hand sides of (24a) (when s is measured along the contour of the mantle):

Template:Center

On the other hand, if one is taking together the two basis-areas of the cylinder, then for those it is n=l, and s means the normal (located in xyz-space) upon the basis-area. Its contribution is thus

Template:Center

where the first integral measures the displacement current traversing the basis-area, the second measures the temporal change of the magnetic force-line number. At the same time

Template:Center

Template:Pagenum becomes the (up to the factor dl) convection current traversing perpendicular to σ. With respect to the relevant cylindric specialization of the integration area, our surface integrals (24a) therefore go over into the known integral form of Template:Sc's equations in ordinary notation:

Template:Center

c) The theorem of Stokes. If s means an closed one-dimensional convolution (arbitrarily located in the world), σ a two-times extended surface limited by s, Φ a four-vector, then Stokes' theorem is given as a direct consequence of definition equation (21) in the location and order of directions ss in the form

Template:Optional style|(25) σRotssΦdσ=sΦsds

One can remark, that one cannot speak (even with respect to the ordinary three-dimensional formulation of Template:Sc' theorem), as it usually happens, of the normal component, but of the tangential component of rotation, since rotation is also at that place a vector of second kind. If we had started from the supplement of rotation (see the previous paragraph under c), then we would have obtained equation (25) as well.

If it is particularly about a closed surface σ, then the boundary curve and thus also the right-hand side of (25) vanishes, and thus we have

Template:Center

Accordingly it is given from the second form of Template:Sc' theorem (24*), in which σ was to be integrated on the right-hand side over a closed surface σ, when we include f equal to the rotation of an arbitrary four-vector Φ:

Template:Center

Since this equation applies to any section S, we conclude the identical relation

Template:Optional style|(25a) 𝔇𝔦𝔳 Rot*Φ=0

Template:Pagenum "the vector divergence of the supplement of rotation of an arbitrary four-vector vanishes." This can be simply verified using the coordinate expressions (17a) of the vector divergence and (21) of the rotation.

Equation (25a) simultaneously gives the justification for introducing the electrodynamic potential Φ, which was only historically described in the previous paragraph under c'). Namely, since by approach (21b) f=Rot Φ, the second of Template:Sc's equations 𝔇𝔦𝔳 f*=0 according to (25a) is identically satisfied; it only remains to determine Φ, so that it also satisfies the first of Template:Sc's equations 𝔇𝔦𝔳 f=P, which now goes over to:

Template:Optional style|(25b) 𝔇𝔦𝔳 RotΦ=P

This four-dimensional vector equation represents the most simple form of Template:Sc's theory for vacuum; with its integration, the following paragraph is concerned.

However, by the approach f=RotΦ with given f, the vector Φ is not completely determined. Namely, if Φ1 is such a vector, then we obtain in Φ=Φ1+Ψ a more general vector, which also satisfies the condition f=RotΦ, in case Ψds also means a vector of everywhere vanishing rotation. It is, as it simply follows from Template:Sc' theorem, always representable as gradient of a scalar local function U, which itself is given by the line integral Ψds, extended from an arbitrary fixed to the previously considered spacetime point. From that it can be recognized, that one still can impose the constrain to the potential Φ

Template:Optional style|(25c) Div Φ=0

Namely, this gives (for the otherwise completely undetermined function U) the condition:

Template:Center

which we can write (following d)) also as U=Div Φ1, and which can be integrated by the method of the following paragraph.

A similar reasoning as the one leading to (25a), we append to the first form of Template:Sc' Template:Pagenum theorem, equation (24). Namely, if it is about a closed three-times extended space-section S, as it is given as boundary of a four-dimensional space-section Σ, then its boundary surface vanishes and thus also the right-hand side of (24), and we obtain

Template:Center

valid for any closed space-section S. If we thus include 𝔇𝔦𝔳 f instead of P in Template:Sc' theorem (23), then the right-hand side of this equation becomes zero as well (here, n was the normal with respect to space-element dS, denoted in the previous equation as s) and we have

Template:Center

Since this equation applies to any area Σ, we conclude the identical relation

Template:Optional style| Div 𝔇𝔦𝔳 f=0

"the scalar divergence of the vector divergence of an arbitrary six-vector vanishes". This can easily be verified with respect to the coordinate expressions of the scalar and vector divergence (equation (16a) and (17a)).

If f in particular means the six-vector of the field again, so that due to the first of Template:Sc's equations 𝔇𝔦𝔳 f=P, then (24b) expresses the continuity condition Div P=0, about which it was spoken in § 5 under a).

d) The theorem of Template:Sc. We use a symbol, already introduced by Template:Sc and again used by Template:Sc,[3] which has to be applied to a scalar function U:

Template:Optional style|(26) U=Div Grad U=2Ux2+2Uy2+2Uz2+2Ul2

This extends the ordinary Template:Scian differential expression Δ to four dimensions and thus may be denoted as Template:Scian expression again. Its geometricalTemplate:Pagenum-invariant nature directly follows from the representation =Div Grad.

If U and V are now two scalar local functions of the four variables xyzl, then we have by

Template:Center

a four-vector of special construction. Its scalar divergence, which one can think of as formed by differentiation with respect to coordinates xyzl, then becomes:

Template:Center

namely, the two scalar products ±(Grad U,Grad V) are mutually canceled. Thus if we include this special four-vector into the theorem of Template:Sc (23), then it is given

Template:Optional style|(27) Σ(UVVU)dΣ=S(UVnVUn)dS

i.e, the exact analogue to the ordinary theorem of Template:Sc. It is related to an arbitrary world-section Σ and its three-dimensional boundary S. Steadiness of the appearing functions and their first derivations is presupposed as in the other theorems of this paragraph. If it is violated in one world-point, then one would have to exclude it from the integration by a three-dimensional boundary space S0, like in the ordinary case, and to supplement the integral over S0 of the right-hand side of (27).

This is especially then the case, when V is set equal to the four-dimensional analogue of the Template:Scian potential 1/r:

Template:Optional style|(27a) V=1R2, R2=(xx0)2+(yy0)2+(zz0)2+(ll0)2,

corresponding to the circumstance, that in four dimensions the mathematical analogue to the Template:Scian force would be decreasing by the cube of distance, instead of the square. Here, R means the four-dimensional distance of the fixed world-point O ("reference point") x0y0z0l0 with respect to the variable integration point xyzl. The reference point my lie in the integration area Template:Pagenum and thus may be surrounded by an infinitely small spherical space S0 (radius R0). If we calculate for it the right-hand side of (27), then it becomes:

Template:Center

Here, U0 means the value of U at the reference point (R=0), if the easily verified theorem[4] is employed, according to which the three-dimensional boundary of a four-dimensional sphere of radius 1 is equal to 2π2, thus the one of radius R0 is equal to 2π2R03=dS0. From (27) it thus follows

Template:Optional style|(27b) 4π2U0=UR2dΣ(Un1R21R2Un)dS

On the other hand, it is given from (27) with V=1

Template:Optional style|(27c) U dΣ=UndS

If the integration area is extended over the whole infinite space Σ, then we can choose S as infinitely great sphere (radius R). To this it applies, similarly as above:

Template:Center

where Um is the average of U on the infinitely distant sphere, and because of (27c)

Template:Center

If both is included in (27b), then it is given

Template:Center

Template:Pagenum As 1/R is vanishing against 1/R, it thus becomes

Template:Optional style|(27d) 4π2U0=UR2dΣ+Const.

By that, we have to calculate for U an arbitrary world-point O except a constant, when U in the whole area of real xyzl is given.

To that, however, a remark has to be made concerning the reality relations. As always, we have implicitly presupposed as real the coordinates l0,l as well as x0,x, and assumed for example, that R is only vanishing at one point O. This is not the case anymore if it is considered that (ll0)2=c2(tt0)2, it is rather the case that R becomes zero in the real world-coordinates on a three-times extended cone. Furthermore, with respect to the actually important tasks, U is not given for real, but for negative-imaginary values of ll0, namely in the reference system of xyzl, for all times t<t0 preceding the time coordinate t0 of the origin. Thus one would have (to be able to apply our formulas) to imagine the given values U of the negative-imaginary axis of a complex (ll0)-plane (see Fig. 3) as analytically extended with respect to the real axis of that plane, and to extend the integration over these real values of ll0, i.e. over the corresponding values of l, in which case R2 only vanishes for l=l0, when simultaneously x=x0, y=y0, z=z0. Instead, we will proceed more easily, by deforming the integration path as in Fig. 3 into a slope surrounding the negative-imaginary axis[5]; the integration in (27d) is then to be understood, so that it is to be led with respect to x y z over all real values, with respect to l over this slope, and (27d) represents the value of U Template:Pagenum at time t0, when for all earlier moments the value of U is given. The four-dimensional method proves to be equally fruitful also for these and similar integration tasks, and it allows to solve them quite similar to the calculation of the potential of given masses in ordinary potential theory.

§ 7. Determination of the four-potential and the electrodynamic force.

The differential equation of the four-potential, denoted by us as the most simple formulation of Template:Sc's theory, reads:

Template:Optional style|(25b) 𝔇𝔦𝔳 Rot Φ=P

For one of the four right-angled components Φj of Φ we thus have by (17a) and (21b):

Template:Center

for which we can write more easily, by constraint (25c)[6]:

Template:Optional style|(28) Φ=P

Thus we have to solve the following problem of four-dimensional potential theory: We seek a solution of equation Φ=P for an arbitrary spacetime-point x0y0z0t0, when the four-density P, i.e. the charge and velocity of the considered system, is given for all earlier moments t<t0. The solution includes equation (27d) with the slope-path denoted in Fig. 3.

If one includes here for U any of the components of Φ, considers equation (28) and suppresses the constant irrelevant for our potential, then it is given

Template:Optional style|(29) 4π2Φ0=PR2dΣ

Template:Pagenum This most natural representation of electrodynamic potential in the sense of relativity theory, stems from Template:Sc[7]. Factually, this representation of course cannot be distinguished from the older formulas, as long as one remains in the original and and accidentally employed reference system of xyzl.

The integration with respect to l can always carried out in (29) as well as in all analogous later formulas by Template:Sc's residue theorem. Namely, within the slope of Fig. 3 lies the place where R2 of first order vanishes, thus upon which the integration can be drawn together, namely at the place (see (27a)):

Template:Optional style|(29a) {l=l0is, t=t0sc,s=(xx0)2+(yy0)2+(zz0)2

On the other hand, the principally equally-valid place l=l0+is lies upon the positive-imaginary axis of Fig. 3 and gives no contribution to our slope integration.

Based on the world-line of a certain charge element de (see Fig. 4) we denote the point L of the world-line, which is cut by a cone R2=0 constructed at point O, with Template:Sc as light-point of O. Its coordinates are unequivocally determined when the charge element never moves at superluminal velocity, and the fourth coordinate can be determined, as previously shown, by equation t=t0s/c. As it is known, it says that a light signal emanating from world-point L, reaches world-point O (i.e. it reaches the space-point x0y0z0 at time t0).

Template:Pagenum Thus, if we carry out the integration with respect to l by means of residue-construction, thus the emerging formulas will be related to the light-point L of O. For example, in this way the well-known formula of retarded potential directly emerge from (29). We only show this for the case of a point-like charge (of a sufficiently distant reference point).

In this case, one can see R2 in (29) as constant during the integration with respect to x y z, and evaluate this integration. However, to avoid from the beginning the introduction of the arbitrary reference system xyzl, we rather use a natural reference system oriented with respect to the world-line of the point charge. Let (see Fig. 4) dSn be the element of normal space of the world-line, ds the curve element of the world line. This is connected with Template:Sc's proper time τ, so that

Template:Optional style|(29b) {ds=icdτ, byds=dx2+dy2+dz2+dl2dτ=dt11c2((dxdt)2+(dydt)2+(dzdt)2)

Now one has:

Template:Optional style|(29c) {dΣ=dSnds=ic dSndτ,icP dSn=ie 𝔅, 𝔅=(dxdτ, dydτ, dzdτ, dldτ)

The first of these formulas directly follows from the fact, that the length element ds and the three-dimensional space-element dSn are mutually normal. In the second formula, P as well as 𝔅 denote a four vector directed with respect to the world-line of the charge at the considered place. It only remains to prove, that the vectors on the right-hand and left-hand side of this formula are mutually equal as regards their magnitude. With respect to (29b), |𝔅|=ic, thus the magnitude of the right-hand side in question is equal to ce. On the left-hand side, one thinks P as decomposed into components with respect to the world-line and perpendicularly to it. The latter ones vanish, the first one becomes equal to iϱ0 by equation (1) part I, where ϱ0 is the "rest-density", i.e. the density of charge viewed by a co-moving observer. Accordingly, Template:Pagenum ϱ0dSn=e becomes equal to the total charge. For the magnitude of the left-hand side of (29c), one also has:

Template:Center

If one substitutes from (29c) into (29), it follows:

Template:Center

the integration with respect to the new variable τ is, quite equal as the one by l in Fig. 3, to be extended on an arbitrary complex, clockwise rotation around the light-point L, and when calculated by Template:Sc's theorem gives[8]:

Template:Optional style|(29d) 4πΦ0=e𝔅(𝔅)

Here,

Template:Optional style|(29e) =(xx0, yy0, zz0, ll0)

means the four-vector from the reference point with respect to the corresponding light-point of the charge, 𝔅 the velocity vector of the charge at the light-point defined in (29c), and (𝔅) its scalar product in the sense of § 3 A. Equation (29d) represents the invariant notation (in the sense of relativity theory) of the point-potential law (Template:Sc); we return to this in the following paragraphs again.

The field of an arbitrarily moving charge at reference point O, can be now obtained by formula (21b)

Template:Center

If one would like to apply this differentiation in the case of a point-charge upon the calculated formula (29d), then one would be led to complicated considerations,[9] which Template:Pagenum stem from the fact, that with a variation of O also a variation of the light-points L is connected. It is much simpler to resort to the original formula (29) and to make the passage to the point charge only at the end. From (29) it is given

Template:Center

and somewhat more general for j=x,y,z,l:

Template:Optional style|(30) 2π2fxj=Pj(xx0)Px(jj0)R4dΣ

We immediately pass to the specific electrodynamic force 𝔉, by imagining a charge distribution of four-density P0 in the surrounding of the reference point O, then their x-component is specified by equation (11) as (P0fx); for that, one obtains according to the last formula by using of vector explained in (29e), which at first is not yet related with the light-point:

Template:Center

and thus generally:

Template:Optional style|(30a) 2π2𝔉=(P0P)P(P0)R4dΣ.

If one immediately goes over to a point charge e again, by means of equations (29c), then its specific force action upon distribution P0 is given by:

Template:Center

If the distribution P0 is also point-like of total charge e0, then one is able to form the total force 𝔎 exerted by e on e0. This shall be calculated as co-moving force in the sense of 𝔎 in equation (15). Thus, one shall multiply with the space element ds normal to the world-line of O, and shall form 𝔎=𝔉 dS. With respect to the second line of (29c) it is given, when 𝔅0 means the velocity vector of O:

Template:Optional style|(30b) 2π2𝔎=iee0c(𝔅0𝔅)(𝔅0)𝔅R4dτ

Also here, the integration means a rotation of the complex variable τ around the light-point of O; Template:Pagenum it can immediately carried out by residue-construction, where now, since the denominator of second order in R2 vanishes, the development of numerator and denominator is to be taken up to terms of second order. The obvious calculation is neglected at this place and concerning its result we refer to equation (37) of the next paragraph, where it is derived in a probably more illustrative but essentially less simple way than at this place. Compared with the somewhat composed form of equation (37), the integral representation contained in equation (30b) is in any case remarkable due to its particular clarity.

§ 8. The cyclic or hyperbolic motion and the electrodynamic elementary laws.

As the most simple example of accelerated motion we consider the interesting case of "hyperbolic motion" treated recently by Template:Sc[10]. It represents itself (when one again neglects the imaginary character of the time coordinate in terms of expression and drawing) as "cyclic motion", where the reason for its simplicity lies. We namely investigate this motion under the point of view already indicated by Template:Sc[11], that any accelerated motion can always be approximated by "uniformly accelerated" motion, and from that we arrive at an illustrative derivation of the electrodynamic elementary laws.

The electrical system shall be moving, so that for any of its charge elements it applies:

Template:Optional style|(31) x=rcosφ, y=y, z=z, l=rsinφ.

At constant r,y,z and variable φ these equations give the world-line of the charge element; at constant φ and variable r,y,z they determine the "rest-form" of charge, Template:Pagenum i.e. the simultaneous locations of their elements observed by a co-moving observer. Fig. 5a represents the relations in the xl-plane with l and φ imagined as real: the world-lines are circles x2+l2=r2, the rest-form is projected into the variable radius r. Fig. 5b shows, as to how the things are with respect to the imaginary constitution of l=ict. If one draws x and ct as real coordinates, and puts φ=iψ, where ψ is a real angel, then the world-lines become equally sided hyperbolas x2(ct)2=r2 and the rest-form is given by ψ=const.. The asymptotes under 45° are corresponding to a motion with speed of light c, which is approximated by hyperbolic motion for ct=±.

By the cyclic nature of our problem, the four-dimensional polar coordinates r y z φ are given instead of the ordinary coordinates xyzl, whose character is mixed of space and time. If we call the corresponding coordinates of the reference point r0y0z0φ0, then we evidently can choose φ0=0. This means in the way of expression of Fig. 5a, that we can count the coordinate φ of the single charge elements starting from the radius vector extending through the reference point, which becomes the x-axis by that. In the way of expression of Fig. 5b we would have to say, that instead of axes x and ct, we can introduce new "mutually normal" Template:Pagenum axes x and ct, whose first one is going through O and whose last one forms (with the hyperbolic asymptotes) the same angle as x (harmonic location of axes x,ct against both asymptotes). Also related to these axes, the world-lines are equally sided hyperbolas and are (non-Euclidean) perpendicular upon them. At the same time, wh have ct'0=0 for the reference point, thus also r0sin iψ0=0 or ψ0=0. Thus when we would choose φ0=0 in Fig. 5a, then this means in real terms, that we introduce a new primed x,y,z,ct instead of x,y,z,ct, which is relatively moving with respect to the original one, and which we (starting from the other one) define by equation (31) of our polar coordinates ryzφ. The introduction of the primed axes is, however, excluding superluminal velocities, only possible when the reference point lies in one of the two space-like quadrants of Fig. 5b (see the note in part I, p. 752), i.e. when in the original coordinates ct0<x0 applies, what we want to presuppose. In other cases, i.e. when the reference point lies in one of the time-like quadrants, one only needs to exchange the axes x and ct, without additionally changing something essential.

Also the vectors P and Φ are decomposed by us into the components with respect to coordinates ryzφ, where the four-vector P is drawn in the successive locations of the charge elements, the four-vector Φ is drawn in the reference point.

Evidently it is:

Template:Center

Vector P namely is directed into the direction of the world-line, thus in the direction of increasing φ; as well as iϱ was the fourth component in the xyzl-system (see equation (1), ϱ = charge density in xyz-space), due to the vector character of P, the fourth component in the ryzφ system are equal to iϱ0 (ϱ0 = charge density in the co-moving ryz-space = "rest density" = |P|=iϱ1β2=iϱ/cosφ, see equation (1a) and the explanations to equation (29c) of the previous paragraph). Here, ϱ0 is, according to Template:Sc' theorem, constant along any world-line (independent of φ), it is possibly variable from world-line to world-line. Due to the vector summation immediately carried out, Template:Pagenum we also will need the components Px and Pl with respect to the axes oriented by O of Fig. 5a (the axes x, ct of Fig. 5b). For any place of the world line:

Template:Optional style|(31a) {Px=Pφsinφ=iϱ0sinφPl=Pφcosφ=iϱ0cosφ

For the calculation of Φ we use equation (29) and substitute (for the integration variables x=r cosφ there) l=r sinφ. The slope surrounding the imaginary axis in Fig. 3, is corresponding to an integration in φ over a corresponding slope, upon which φ goes back from i over zero to i, and which clockwise envelopes (as earlier) the light-point (R2=0) belonging to any world-line. The passage to the new integration variables r,φ happens according to the scheme of ordinary polar coordinates:

Template:Optional style|(31b) +dxdl=0r drdφ

with the difference, that the integration with respect to φ (similar to l) is extended over the mentioned slope.

Of the four components of Φ, two are vanishing; namely due to Py=Pz=0

Template:Center

Of the two other components Φr and Φφ it can be said at first, that they are independent of the φ-coordinate of the reference point, by which the cyclic nature of our problem is expressed. Actually, we could (at any location of the reference point) choose the direction drawn to it as zero-ray; in the expressions of Φr (in the direction of the zero-ray) and of Φφ (perpendicular to it), φ0 doesn't occur at all. These components become constant for all points or any circle of Fig. 5a (any hyperbola of Fig. 5b), and vector Φ has a constant magnitude and location against the variable radius r0. On the other hand, the components Φx,Φl in a xl-system of general location Template:Pagenum are of course independent of φ0, namely due to the general formulas for vector transformation:

Template:Optional style| Φx=Φrcosφ0Φφsinφ0

Φl=Φrsinφ0+Φφcosφ0

At the particular location of the x-axis as in Fig. 5a (the x-axis as in Fig. 5b), which is convenient for the following, it additionally becomes Φr=Φx, Φφ=Φl due to φ0=0.

The component Φr=Φx can easily be executed. At first, it is because of (31a,b) and (29):

Template:Optional style|(32) {4π2Φx=i+dy+dz0r drdφϱ0sinφR2,R2=r2+r022rr0cosφ+(yy0)2+(zz0)2

Since ϱ0 is independent (see above) from φ and d(dR2)=2rr0sinφ dφ, then the integral with respect to φ is simply:

Template:Center

since it is to be extended around point R2=0 against the positive rotation sense (see Fig. 3). Thus by (32)

Template:Optional style|(32a) 4πΦx=4πΦr=1r0+dy+dz0dr ϱ0=er0;

here, e means the total charge of the system, obtained by integration of rest density ϱ0 over the rest-form of the system. On the other hand, by (31a,b) and (30):

Template:Optional style|(32b) 4π2Φl=+i+dy+dz0r drdφϱ0cosφR2.

The integral with respect to φ is given, quite similar to above, by residue-construction:

Template:Center

Template:Pagenum where for cosφ, sinφ the values (following from R2=0 and corresponding to the light-point) have to be included:

Template:Optional style|(32c) {cosφ=12rr0(r2+r02+(yy0)2+(zz0)2)sinφ=i2rr0((rr0)2+(yy0)2+(zz0)2)×((r+r0)2+(yy0)2+(zz0)2)

Thus

Template:Optional style|(32d) 4πΦl=4πΦφ=1r0+dy+dz0drϱ0(cosφsinφ)L.

For a far distant point, one can view cosφ and sinφ as approximately constant for all charge elements and execute the three-times integration, where the total charge e of the system emerges. Thus one has for the limiting case:

Template:Optional style|(33) 4πΦr=er0, 4πΦφ=+er0(cosφsinφ)L.

In consequence of Fig. 6 one can easily convince himself, that direction and magnitude of vector Φ are only expressed by the state of motion at light-point L. For this purpose, we calculate the component of Φ on the one hand with respect to direction ML perpendicular to the direction of motion at the light-point, and on the other hand with respect to the tangent in L, which may be determined by the four-vector 𝔅; here it is to be noticed, that φ shall mean the angle belonging to L (namely counted from MO as origin); thus:

in the direction ML:

Template:Center

in the direction 𝔅

Template:Center

Template:Pagenum r0sinφ, however, are represented in the figure by the line ON=PL, and PL is the projection of vector from the reference point with respect to the light-point upon the motion vector 𝔅, thus[12]

Template:Optional style|(33a) r0sinφ=PL=||cos(,𝔅)=(𝔅)|𝔅|

see part I, § 3 A. Our potential is thus represented in terms of direction and magnitude:

Template:Optional style|(33b) 4πΦ=e𝔅(𝔅){=xx0, yy0, zz0, ll0,𝔅=dxdτ, dydτ, dzdτ, dldτ.

The special character of hyperbolic motion is vanished from (33b), this representation applies to any motion affecting our hyperbolic motion at the light-point, and was directly taken above (see (29d)) from our general representation (29) by the passage from one point-charge and by residue-construction. As to how the relations are in real terms, is alluded to in Fig. 5b: In the projection of the x, ct-plane, the light-point L (of a parallel drawn through O with respect to a hyperbolic asymptote) is cut from the world-line, and it is the resultant from the two real components Φr and Φφ/i parallel to the tangent 𝔅 at the light-point.

Skipping the calculation of the field, we have to from f=RotΦ by (21b), where we of course choose the required rotations, over which the line integral of Φ must be extended, in the sense of our polar coordinate system (see Fig. 5a right above). While the ry,rz,yz-components of f vanish, since Φy=Φz=0 and Φr is independent of y and z, it is given[13] by (21):

Template:Optional style|(34) frφ=1r0r0Φφr0, fyφ=Φφy0, fzφ=Φφz0.

Template:Pagenum The field, as well as Φ, is only dependent of the coordinates r0,y0,z0 of the reference point and thus constant on the circles of Fig. 5a (the hyperbolas of 5b). On the other hand, it is of course variable upon the line x=const., since any such line is cut by other hyperbolas for variable ct in Fig. 5b. Thus, while the field is temporally changing in a spatially fixed point, it is constant in a co-moving point. Namely, it has at such a point the character of the electric field throughout. Namely, since the φ-direction has simultaneously the direction of the time axis in the co-moving ("primed") system, we have to write in consequence of (2):

Template:Optional style|(34a) {frφ=i𝔈'r,fyφ=i𝔈'y,fzφ=i𝔈'z,fyz='r=0,fzr='y=0,fry='z=0.

For an observer resting in the xyzl-system, on the other hand, the field has, except the electric one, also an magnetic part.

For distant reference points, to which the electric system appears as point-like, it is given from (33) and (34)

Template:Center

as well as

Template:Center

From the definition of the light-point:

Template:Center

it follows, however, since r, y, z are constant during hyperbolic motion:

Template:Center

thus

Template:Center

as well as

Template:Center

therefore, when the index L at Φ is suppressed:

Template:Optional style|(34b) {4πfrφ=err02sin3φ(rcosφr0),4πfyφ=err02sin3φ(yy0),4πfzφ=err02sin3φ(zz0).

Template:Pagenum These formulas are the most simple expressions of the field produced by any moving point charge. Namely, by putting the curvature circle (curvature hyperbola) at the world-line of the point-charge in the light-point belonging to our reference point, and by replacing the arbitrary motion by cyclic motion upon the curvature circle, the general case is reduced to our formulas (34b).

Template:Pagenum These formulas are the most simple expression of the field produced by any moving point charge. Namely, by putting the curvature circle (curvature hyperbola) at the world-line of the point-charge in the light-point belonging to our reference point, and by replacing the arbitrary motion by cyclic motion upon the curvature circle, the general case is reduced to our formulas (34b). The occurrence of the curvature radius r, which is connected with the acceleration of motion at the light-point (see below), is characteristic. The difference between longitudinal and transverse acceleration is only a difference in the choice of reference frame.

At first, we want to circumscribe the formulas (34b), so that only four-vectors related to the light-point occur

Template:Center

is the vector of O to L, 𝔅 the velocity vector in L (see equation (33a)) and 𝔅˙ the acceleration vector in L. In the previous definition (equation (29b)) of dτ by the world-line element dτ=ds/ic, since in our cyclic coordinates ds=r dφ applies, it evidently becomes dτ=r dφ/ic, thus according to equations (31)

Template:Center

consequently is follows:

Template:Center

𝔅˙ thus has in the light-point the direction of radius ML and the magnitude c2/r.

From these four vectors, the following magnitudes independent of reference frame, can be formed:

Template:Center

thus by which the formulas (34b) shall be expressed; Template:Pagenum here, we notice that the other possible invariants have the following simply values according to the above:

Template:Optional style|(35) {()=R2=0, (𝔅𝔅)=|𝔅|2=c2,(𝔅˙𝔅˙)=|𝔅˙|2=c4r2, (𝔅𝔅˙)=0,

the latter is due to the perpendicular location of 𝔅 and 𝔅˙. As regards the value of (𝔅), it was given in equation (33a):

Template:Optional style|(35a) (𝔅)=|𝔅|r0sinφ=icr0sinφ.

Similarly, according to Fig. 6 it is given as projection of upon 𝔅˙

Template:Center

thus

Template:Optional style|(35b) r0cosφ=r(1(𝔅˙)c2), r0rcosφ=c2(𝔅˙)c2

and by division of (35a) and (35b):

Template:Optional style|(35c) cosφicr sinφ=1c2c2(𝔅˙)(𝔅).

If we now consider the four-vector fφ derived from the six-vector f (see part I, equation (6a)):

Template:Center

Here, the three bracketed magnitudes or the components of with respect to the directions r0,y0,z0 drawn through O, are namely

Template:Center

If we thus add the fourth coordinate with respect to the direction (taken through O and perpendicular to r0) of the increasing φ0, namely φ=QL (see Fig. 6), then

Template:Center

The sum of QL is r sinφ; the unit vector Φ1 in this direction represents itself by the unit vectors in the directions 𝔅 and 𝔅˙, which are inclined against that by φ and π/2φ respectively:

Template:Optional style|(36) Φ1=vector QL|QL|=cosφ𝔅|𝔅|+sinφ𝔅˙|𝔅˙|,

Template:Pagenum thus

Template:Center

Therefore, fφ is decomposed in two or three four-vectors of directions ,Φ1 or ,𝔅,𝔅˙, namely

Template:Optional style|(36a) {4πfφ=er sinφr02sin2φer02sin2φΦ1=er sinφr02sin2φer02sin2φ(cosφic𝔅+r cosφc2𝔅˙).

We now pass to the specific electrodynamic force 𝔉 (see § 4), by imagining a charge at reference point O, whose magnitude and motion is given by the four-vector P0. The components of 𝔉 with respect to the coordinate-directions are according to equation (11)

Template:Center

Thus we can vectorially write, when we understand under Φ1 the mentioned unit vector in the φ-direction extended through O

Template:Center:

or with respect to (36a):

Template:Optional style|(36b) 4π𝔉=er sinφr02sin2φ((P0Φ1)+(P0)Φ1).

If we now include the value (36) for Φ1, then 𝔉 is decomposed into three portions, a location portions of direction , a velocity- and acceleration portions of direction 𝔅 and 𝔅˙, namely by using of (35a) and (35c):

Template:Optional style|(36c) {4π𝔉=e(𝔅)2(c2(𝔅˙)(𝔅)(P0𝔅)+(P0𝔅˙)),4π𝔉𝔅=e(𝔅)2c2(𝔅˙)(𝔅)(P0)𝔅4π𝔉𝔅˙=e(𝔅)2(P0)𝔅˙.

Template:Pagenum By that, the general invariant representation of the specific electrodynamic force 𝔉 is achieved. From it, we go over to the total force 𝔎, by imagining the total charge e0 as point-like in O. We will calculate it as a "co-moving force" (in the sense of equation (15) for 𝔎), by considering those values of 𝔉, which appear simultaneously to an observer co-moving with O, i.e. integrating over a space dS perpendicular to the world-line of O. On the other hand, when integrating over dS (as remarked in §4) a result depending on the reference system would be given. Consequently, since dS has the same meaning as dSn in equation (29c), it is thus given from this equation

Template:Center

and from (36c) we obtain the following three portions of the total electrodynamic force:

Template:Optional style|(37) {4π𝔎=ee0e(𝔅)2(c2(𝔅˙)(𝔅)(𝔅0𝔅)+(𝔅0𝔅˙)),4π𝔎𝔅=ee0c(𝔅)2c2(𝔅˙)(𝔅)(𝔅0)𝔅,4π𝔎𝔅˙=ee0c(𝔅)2(𝔅0)𝔅˙.

As above in consequence of (33a), one can notice that the special character of hyperbolic motion is vanished from these formulas (hyperbolic motion only served us to conveniently approximate the motion of e at the light-point), and more generally that one obtains the same formulas, when 𝔎 is calculated for a quite arbitrary motion of e. Indeed, the equations (37) are identical with the result of residue-construction in equation (30b), about which it was spoken on p. 670.

The equations (37) are of course in agreement with the geometric rule given by Template:Sc in § V of "Space and Time", and differ from the expressions originally found by Template:Sc only by supplementing the fourth "energetic component", which Template:Pagenum by the way is not unimportant for the following, and in the three remaining "dynamic" components only differs by a factor

Template:Center

which stems from the fact, that in the course of forming the total force, Template:Sc integrated over a space dS, while we integrated over a space dS.

§ 9. Remarks on the laws of Coulomb and Newton.

A. Coulomb's law. Equations (37) are applied to the most simple case of electrostatics, i.e. two mutually resting point charges. In the sense of relativity theory, two charges are at rest whose world-lines are two parallel lines. In this case

Template:Center

and thus

Template:Optional style|(38) 4π𝔎=ee0cc2𝔎+(𝔅)𝔅(𝔅)3

After cancellation of the acceleration-portions, force 𝔎 in (38) is thus composed by a location portion and a velocity portion, which at first is related to a light-point, however, it simultaneously has the direction of an arbitrary point of the world-line of e or e0 due to the presupposed uniformity. We show, that this velocity portion supplements the location portion exactly to a vector which is directed to the point P (simultaneous with O) upon the world-line of e. There, simultaneity is evidently to be considered from a reference system moving with velocity 𝔅, in our case the only reference system naturally defined, and again it will (in passing) constructed by an ordinary (euclidean) perpendicularity.

Template:Pagenum As already employed many times (see p. 676 and 679), the projection PL of upon 𝔅 is equal to (𝔅)/|B|, and the unit vector in the direction of 𝔅 is equal to 𝔅/|B|, thus with respect to |𝔅|=ic:

Template:Center

The nominator in (38) consequently becomes in terms of the meaning of drawn in Fig. 7:

Template:Center

If one applies the Pythagoras to the "right-angled" triangle OLP, then it is additionally given with R=||, R=||=0:

Template:Center

or

Template:Optional style|(38a) (𝔅)2=|𝔅|2R'2=+c2R'2.

The nominator in (38) thus becomes equal to c3R'3, so that we can write instead of (38):

Template:Optional style|(39) 4π𝔎=ee0R'3.

This is the general invariant expression of Template:Sc's law.

If we now introduce the special reference system xyzl, whose l-axis forms with 𝔅 the angle φ, i.e. in which e and e0 are moving. Let the coordinates of P be x,y,z,l, and those of O be x0,y0,z0,l0 as earlier. The three-dimensional vector xx0, yy0, zz0 shall be called 𝔯, r be its length. The three-dimensional force vector 𝔎x,𝔎y,𝔎z is to be called (according to § 4) as the dynamic portion of the four-vector 𝔎. It is of course not directed (in the sense of our arbitrary reference system) to the point simultaneous with O, but to that space-point emerging from the spacetime-point P by projection upon the xyz-space. This dynamic portion namely becomes

Template:Center

its magnitude is:

Template:Optional style|(39a) 4π𝔎x2+𝔎y2+𝔎z2=ee0rR'3.

Template:Pagenum Thus it is neither inversely proportional to the square of r nor to that of R. To maintain the simple argument of Template:Sc's law, one must rather consider the energetic portion and the form the magnitude of the four-vector

Template:Center

To it, is imply applies

Template:Optional style|(39b) 4π|𝔎|=ee0R'2,

thus Template:Sc's law in the sense, that the four-dimensional distance of both simultaneous world-points O and P is of importance. We emphasize this to strengthen the remark already given earlier (§4, p. 771), that the energetic component of force has in no way only a formal meaning. It is rather indispensable in our special case, to formulate Template:Sc's law (in its simplicity for static conditions) also for moving charges and independently of the choice of a special reference system.

The energetic component of 𝔎 of course vanishes, when the reference system is particularly introduced as co-moving, so that both charges are at rest in it. Then R=r, so that (39a) and (39b) become identical. Since in the general case r/R=cosφ (see Fig. 7), one can consider (39a) as a component of the complete vector sum (39b).

B. Template:Sc's law. To this one I only have to make a literary remark. There are two proposals as to the solution of the urgent task, to adapt the law of gravitation to the principles of relativity theory, by Template:Sc (1906) and by Template:Sc (1908). Template:Sc directly transfers[14] the repulsion law of two electrons with sign-change upon the attraction of two ponderable masses; his proposal thus aims to replace ee0 by mm0 in equations (37), where m0 and m means the attracted and attracting rest-mass. We want to presuppose the motion of m as uniform Template:Pagenum (acceleration 𝔅˙ evidently comes into play only secondarily, since an influence of 𝔅 has never been demonstrated even on gravitation). Then, Template:Sc's proposal is simplified to the following expression of Template:Sc's law (𝔎𝔅˙=0, 𝔎=𝔎+𝔎𝔅), when we also include the inessential factor fπ in 𝔎

Template:Optional style|(40) 𝔎=mm0c(B0B)R(B0R)B(RB)3

On the other hand, Template:Sc[15] raises himself the task, to form (in most general manner) that Lorentz invariant force law, which reduces itself for small velocities (neglecting β2 and β02) to Template:Sc's law in the ordinary sense. Only in case both velocities (as assumed under A) are equal, the form of the relativistically extended law of gravitation is unequivocally determined; otherwise it remains undetermined in certain limits. Here, Template:Sc decidedly operates with four-vectors (the introduction of six-vector, however, was reserved to Template:Sc); they were represented by its components in an arbitrary Template:Sc-system. Namely, the following combination between our vectors (left) and Template:Sc's components (right) applies:

Template:Center

with the abbreviations

Template:Center

Furthermore, it is to be noted that Template:Sc has put c=1, and also has taken m=m=1 for the attracting and attracted mass; Template:Pagenum to write his formulas in agreement with dimensions, one has to replace his velocity components ξ,ξ1, by ξ/c, ξ1/c, and his force components X1, by X1/mm,. Consequently, Template:Sc's expressions[16] (11) p. 174 can be written in the first place:

Template:Optional style|(40a) k0𝔎mm=1B3C(C1cA𝔅).

The mentioned indetermination of the problems makes it possible, as Template:Sc notes himself (9. 175), to replace the factor 1/B3 by C/B3, in which case the following expression is given instead of the preceding one:

Template:Optional style|(40b) k0𝔎mm=1B3(C1cA𝔅).

There, A, B, C mean the invariance to be formed from the vectors ,𝔅0,𝔅, and are given (by Template:Sc) by the second to the fourth of expressions (5) of p. 169, namely:

Template:Center

If one eventually replaces the mass m=m0k0 (as measured in the arbitrary reference system) by the rest-mass m0, then it is given from (40a) or (40b):

Template:Optional style|(40c) 𝔎=mm0c3(B0B)R(B0R)B(RB)3(B0B)

or

Template:Optional style| 𝔎=mm0c(B0B)R(B0R)B(RB)3

The latter expression perfectly agrees with (40), the first one agrees up to the factor c2/(𝔅0𝔅) which differs from unity only by terms of second order in the velocity ratios β,β0.[17] Thus we come to the Template:Pagenum result[18]: The special Template:Scan formulation of Template:Sc's laws is subsumed under Template:Sc's formulation which is naturally undetermined up to a certain grade, when one sets the acceleration of the attracting mass equal to zero; neglecting terms of higher order, the latter is no more general than the first one.

The relation of Template:Sc's or Template:Sc's version to that of Template:Sc can be explained best by a simple figure, which is different from Fig. 7 only by the fact, that the directions 𝔅0 and 𝔅 of the world-line of m0 and m are not parallel now, but enclose the angle ψ. This appears in Fig. 8[19] as an angle between QO (direction 𝔅0) and QT (parallel to 𝔅). P is the point simultaneous with O in the sense of reference system moving with 𝔅, S is simultaneous with O in the sense of its proper motion 𝔅0.

Now we construct the numerator of expressions (40), (40c) and (40d) as follows. It is by § 3 A

Template:Optional style|(41) (𝔅0𝔅)=cosψ|B0||B|=c2cosψ

Template:Pagenum and (RB0)/|B0| is equal to the projection OQ of upon 𝔅0. From the triangle OQT, right-angled at O (perspectively moved in the figure), however, it follows

Template:Optional style|(41a) QO/cosψ=QT=LS=(RB0)/|B0|cosψ.

Therefore by (40) and (41a), the mentioned numerator is equal to

Template:Optional style| (𝔅0){1cosψ(RB0)|B0|B|B|}

=(𝔅0𝔅){+LSB|B|}=(𝔅0𝔅){+vector LS},

=(𝔅0𝔅)𝔖,

since 𝔅/|B| means the unit vector in the direction of LS, and the vectors and LS are composing themselves to vector 𝔖. The denominator in (40), on the other hand, is equal to c3R'3 according to (38a), where means (as in Fig. 7) the vector OP and R its sum. Consequently, it follows from (40a) with respect to (41) in agreement with Template:Sc's proposal:

Template:Optional style| 𝔎=mm0cosψSR'3

In Template:Sc's proposal (40c), the factor

Template:Center

is to be added in the denominator and is thus given:

Template:Optional style| 𝔎=mm0R'3𝔖.

It's evident, that one remains in the space which was left open by Template:Sc and by the invariance under Lorentz transformations, even when one sets:

Template:Optional style|(41d) 𝔎=mm0S3𝔖 or 𝔎=mm0SR𝔖S,

in the latter case, the magnitude |𝔎|=mm0/SR would be calculated in symmetrical way from the two distances between O on the one hand, and the two simultaneity-points P and S on the other hand. Also in this symmetrical choice of the force law, the reaction principle wouldn't be satisfied, since the direction of force is determined in an unsymmetrical way by the attracting and attracted Template:Pagenum mass. The permanence of this principle would rather require a momentum distributed in the surrounding of the center of attraction, as it would be known from electrodynamics, however, with the difference that its localization in the field would be unknown. On the other hand, the ordinary formulation of Template:Sc's law is evidently inadmissible in relativity theory. According to it, the direction and magnitude of the Template:Scian force would be given through a point A (see Fig. 8), which is simultaneous with O (in the sense of an arbitrary reference system) and thus physically undetermined. Practically, however, such a formulation might be on equal footing to the preceding one, since it only differs from them by terms of second order in the velocity ratios. Exactly because of this reason, one won't hesitate to leave the ordinary formulation of Template:Sc's law, and to replace it with the preceding formulations which are relative-theoretically possible.

Template:Center


  1. We throughout denote by ds, dσ, dS, dΣ the element of a line, surface, of a three- or four-dimensional space, independent as to whether, for example, ds denotes a curved or "plane" three-dimensional space.
  2. So that such a limit exists, P must of course satisfy certain continuity conditions; that the limit is independent of the form of area ΔΣ, can be seen for example, when ΔΣ is divided into sufficiently small parallelepipeds. The corresponding remark applies to all following analogous passage of limits.
  3. H. Poincaré, Rendiconti Circolo Matematico di Palermo 21, 1906.
  4. In general, in space of ν dimensions, the boundary space of unit sphere becomes 2πν/2Γ(ν2), thus in four or three dimensions Template:Center See for example Template:Sc, Mehrdimensionale Geometrie (Sammlung Schubert by Göschen) Nr. 95.
  5. In the passage to the negative-, not to the positive-imaginary axis, lies the preference of the waves progressing from its source, over the physical meaningless but mathematically equally-valid converging waves.
  6. This equation and the combination of scalar and vector potential to a "world vector" Φ, is already contained in Template:Sc, Ann. d. Phys. 28. p. 571, 1909
  7. G. Herglotz, Göttinger Nachrichten 1904, Heft 6. This short note is especially interesting in the historical sense, because it is dated before relativity theory. Nevertheless, as it was also emphasized by Template:Sc in conversation, the four-dimensional symmetry of electrodynamics is latently contained and mathematically applied.
  8. At the light-point itself R2=0, in its surrounding it is thus Template:Center with the meaning of explained in (29e). The integral in question thus becomes Template:Center
  9. See for example Template:Sc, Theorie der Elektrizität II. 9. 13
  10. Template:Sc, Ann. d. Phys. 30. p. 1, 1909; corresponding to the previous point of view, only chapter II of this treatise is of relevance for us, whose results will be somewhat simplified by a more free usage of the four-dimensional views.
  11. See Template:Sc, Space and Time § III and V.
  12. According to the definition of the light-point, it is ||=R=0 and cos(,𝔅)=, therefore ||cos(,𝔅) is an unspecified expressions, whose true value is given by (𝔅)/|𝔅| according to § 3 A.
  13. One obtains, since r dr dφ is the area, r dφ or dr the sides of the rotation drawn in Fig. 5a: Template:Center This gives the expression (34), since Φr is independent of φ.
  14. Space and Time § 5. As regards the formulation given in the "Fundamental equations" see note 2) on p. 686.
  15. In the paper cited on 9. 661, from the Rendiconti di Palermo 21. 1906
  16. By reversing the inadvertent sign of Template:Sc.
  17. On the other hand, this expression (40c) exactly matches that form of Template:Sc's law, given by Template:Sc in the "Fundamental equations", in case one assumes the motion as acceleration-free also at this place. One can immediately recognize this, when one compares the geometric formulation equivalent with (40c) with the geometric rule (24) in the "Fundamental Equations".
  18. The last note in Template:Sc's "Fundamental equations" is consequently to be understood, that only Template:Sc's method, not the result, is essentially different.
  19. To explain this figure the following shall be remarked. Through four points, thus also through two lines 𝔅0, 𝔅 of R4, there can always be laid a R3. All lines of Fig. 8 are therefore following the same three-dimensional space. Namely, the lines OLSAP are lying in a plane, the triangles OQT and OTS as well as the parallelogram LQTS each in one of them, and among each other in a generally different plane. Since OS, OT and LQ shall be normal to 𝔅0, then also the parallel to LQ (drawn through T) is lying in the normal plane (laid through O) to 𝔅0; since this normal plane cuts line 𝔅 only in the single point S, then also the mentioned parallel goes through S.

Template:Translation-license