The dynamics of a charged sphere and the electron

Abstract

A brief review of the history of the classical equations of motion of charged particles is given leading up to the present time. Emphasis is placed on the important role of the validity limits of the theory. The little known relativistic equations of motion of a surface-charged sphere are presented. Their proof and validity limits are discussed. An appendix gives the history and eventual solution of the stability problem (the “4/3 problem”). The emphasis is on understanding rather than on technical details.