Relativistic Theory of the Propagation of Plane Electromagnetic Waves

Abstract

Based on the complete set of equations of thermodynamics of irreversible processes of a fluid in electromagnetic fields, a relativistic theory of the influence of electromagnetic waves on a simple fluid is developed. In particular, the oscillations of the fluid induced by a plane electromagnetic wave are evaluated, and the energy-momentum tensor is determined. It is further conjectured that Minkowski's tensor and Abraham's tensor lead to the same result when matter is properly taken into account. The irreversible processes of heat conduction and viscosity accompanying the oscillations of matter are briefly discussed.