An accelerated charge is also absorbing power

Abstract

An accelerated classical point charge radiates at the Larmor power rate $2e^2a^2/3$, leading to the expectation of an associated radiation reaction force. The famous Abraham-Lorentz-Dirac proposal is plagued with difficulties. Here we note a simple, amazing, and apparently overlooked fact: an accelerated charge is also always absorbing power at exactly the Larmor rate. Implications for radiation reaction and the particle motion are considered. Our analysis supports Kijowski's recent proposal.