A Critique of the Lorentz-Force Equation of Motion for a Charged Particle in the Zero-Point Field

摘要

This paper argues that the classical Lorentz-force equation of motion for a charged particle in the zero-point electromagnetic field predicts an unacceptably large random particle acceleration and velocity, and should be replaced by a van-der-Waals-force equation of motion. Quantitative calculations made possible by a new theory of the vacuum state show that the self force is completely negligible in the van der Waals case, do-ing away with the run-away solutions of the dynamical equation and the need to renormalize the particle mass.