A possible solution to Sommerfeld's riddle

Abstract

An application of standard electromagnetic theory to noninertial systems leads to fundamental problems that culminate in a riddle concerning space charges that cannot possibly exist. A solution is proposed by adapting the constitutive relations so that they become also applicable to noninertial frames. The adaption has been constructed to be consistent with a number of classical experiments and with more recent ring laser experiments. New experimentation is proposed that can further substantiate or refute the proposed adaptation.