Photons and Gravitons in S-Matrix Theory: Derivation of Charge Conservation and Equality of Gravitational and Inertial Mass

Steven Weinberg
Phys. Rev. 135, B1049 – Published 24 August 1964
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Abstract

We give a purely S-matrix-theoretic proof of the conservation of charge (defined by the strength of soft photon interactions) and the equality of gravitational and inertial mass. Our only assumptions are the Lorentz invariance and pole structure of the S matrix, and the zero mass and spins 1 and 2 of the photon and graviton. We also prove that Lorentz invariance alone requires the S matrix for emission of a massless particle of arbitrary integer spin to satisfy a "mass-shell gauge invariance" condition, and we explain why there are no macroscopic fields corresponding to particles of spin 3 or higher.

  • Received 13 April 1964

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.135.B1049

©1964 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Steven Weinberg*

  • Physics Department, University of California, Berkeley, California

  • *Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellow.

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Issue

Vol. 135, Iss. 4B — August 1964

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