Finite and divergent parts of the self-force of a point charge from its spherically averaged self-field

Abstract

The electromagnetic self-force of a point charge moving arbitrarily on a rectilinear trajectory is calculated by averaging its retarded electric self-field over a sphere of infinitesimal radius centered on the charge's present position. The finite part of the self-force obtained is the well-established relativistic radiation reaction, while its divergent part implies the pre-relativistic longitudinal electromagnetic mass of Abraham.