dorsal/arxiv
View SchemaThe Physical Meaning of Gauge Transformations in Electrodynamics
| Authors | E. Comay |
|---|---|
| Categories | |
| ArXiv ID | physics/0611148 |
| URL | https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0611148 |
Abstract
The structure of classical electrodynamics based on the variational principle together with causality and space-time homogeneity is analyzed. It is proved that in this case the 4-potentials are defined uniquely. On the other hand, the approach where Maxwell equations and the Lorentz law of force are regarded as cornerstones of the theory allows gauge transformations. For this reason, the two theories are {\em not equivalent}. A simple example substantiates this conclusion. Quantum physics is linked to the variational principle and it is proved that the same result holds for it. The compatibility of this result with the gauge invariance of the Lagrangian density is explained.
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"abstract": "The structure of classical electrodynamics based on the variational principle\ntogether with causality and space-time homogeneity is analyzed. It is proved\nthat in this case the 4-potentials are defined uniquely. On the other hand, the\napproach where Maxwell equations and the Lorentz law of force are regarded as\ncornerstones of the theory allows gauge transformations. For this reason, the\ntwo theories are {\\em not equivalent}. A simple example substantiates this\nconclusion. Quantum physics is linked to the variational principle and it is\nproved that the same result holds for it. The compatibility of this result with\nthe gauge invariance of the Lagrangian density is explained.",
"arxiv_id": "physics/0611148",
"authors": [
"E. Comay"
],
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"physics.gen-ph"
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"title": "The Physical Meaning of Gauge Transformations in Electrodynamics",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0611148"
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