https://doi.org/10.1140/epjc/s10052-025-13747-4
Regular Article - Theoretical Physics
Thomas precession, relativistic torque, and non-planar orbits
Department of Physics, University of Alberta, T6G 2E1, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Received:
4
November
2024
Accepted:
28
December
2024
Published online:
21
January
2025
We analyze the angular momentum balance for a particle undergoing Thomas precession. The relationships among relativistic torque, the center of mass, and the center of inertia for a spinning particle are clarified. We show that spin precession is accompanied by orbital angular momentum precession, and present examples of the resulting out-of-plane motion.
© The Author(s) 2025
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