We derive a 4D covariant Relativistic Dynamics Equation. This equation canonically extends the 3D relativistic dynamics equation $\mathbf{ F}=\frac{ d\mathbf{ p}}{ dt}$, where $\mathbf{ F}$ is the 3D force and $\mathbf{ p}=m_0\gamma\mathbf{ v}$ is the 3D relativistic momentum. The standard 4D equation $F=\frac{ dp}{ d\tau}$ is only partially covariant. To achieve full Lorentz covariance, we replace the four-force $F$ by a rank 2 antisymmetric tensor acting on the four-velocity. By taking this tensor to be constant, we obtain a covariant definition of uniformly accelerated motion. This solves a problem of Einstein and Planck. We compute explicit solutions for uniformly accelerated motion. The solutions are divided into four Lorentz-invariant types: null, linear, rotational, and general. For null acceleration, the worldline is cubic in the time. Linear acceleration covariantly extends 1D hyperbolic motion, while rotational acceleration covariantly extends pure rotational motion.
Categories: physics.gen-ph