Interaction of a Point Charge and a Magnet: Comments on "Hidden Mechanical Momentum Due to Hidden Nonelectromagnetic Forces"

Abstract

The interaction of a point charge and a magnetic moment (and by extension a point charge and a solenoid) is explored within well-defined point-charge magnetic-moment models where full calculations are possible. It is shown explicitly how the "hidden mechanical momentum" is introduced by the "hidden" external forces of constraint, requiring a prescribed response (through order 1/c^2) of the system to electromagnetic forces. These external forces often go unmentioned in the textbook and research literature. The dependence of "hidden mechanical momentum" upon detailed external (nonelectromagnetic) forces may undermine the idea's usefulness in describing nature. Some statements of dubious validity in the textbook literature are noted.