Abstract

The field of a static charge distribution will be examined from three viewpoints: the Weber equation, the classical equation on which special relativity is based and the new Gaussian equation. It will be shown that with the Weber equation the force is a function of both velocity and acceleration and with the new Gaussian equation the force in a uniform electric field depends on the velocity of the test charge. But with the classical equation the force is independent of the velocity of the test charge. Experimental trajectories require mass to vary with velocity if the classical equation is postulated as in special relativity. But these trajectories may be consistent with a constant mass in both the Weber and the new Gaussian formulations. The field of a stationary current element is also examined from the three viewpoints. Extra terms occur with the Weber and the New Gaussian equations that will be significant in the analysis of high-speed charges moving in magnetic fields. Finally the force between stationary current elements is analyzed. According to classical theory the force is always perpendicular to the current element on which it acts. Tangential forces such as have been observed in many experiments can occur with both the Weber and the New Gaussian Equations.

Aka "The Uniform Electric Field from Three Viewpoints"