We review the introduction in physics of the concepts of an elementary space length and of a fundamental time scale, analyzing some related unknown contributions by Ettore Majorana. In particular, we discuss the quasi-Coulombian scattering in presence of a finite length scale, as well as the introduction of an intrinsic (universal) time delay in the expressions for the retarded electromagnetic potentials. Finally, we also review a special model considered by Majorana in order to deduce the value of the elementary charge, in such a way anticipating key ideas later introduced in quantum electrodynamics. (C) 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Fundamental times, lengths and physical constants: Some unknown contributions by Ettore Majorana / Esposito, S; Salesi, G. - In: ANNALEN DER PHYSIK. - ISSN 0003-3804. - 522:7(2010), pp. 456-466. [10.1002/andp.201010454]
Fundamental times, lengths and physical constants: Some unknown contributions by Ettore Majorana
Esposito S;
2010
Abstract
We review the introduction in physics of the concepts of an elementary space length and of a fundamental time scale, analyzing some related unknown contributions by Ettore Majorana. In particular, we discuss the quasi-Coulombian scattering in presence of a finite length scale, as well as the introduction of an intrinsic (universal) time delay in the expressions for the retarded electromagnetic potentials. Finally, we also review a special model considered by Majorana in order to deduce the value of the elementary charge, in such a way anticipating key ideas later introduced in quantum electrodynamics. (C) 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, WeinheimI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
