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7 - How to Rewrite the History of Electromagnetism

from Case Study II - Maxwell’s Equations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2020

Malcolm S. Longair
Malcolm S. Longair
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
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Summary

Maxwell's equations are derived starting with a mathematical structure which is then given physical meaning with the minimum of assumptions. From these, all the laws of electromagnetism, such as Ampère’s law, Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, Coulomb’s law and the Biot-Savart law are derived. It is shown how the equations can be applied to electromagnetic phenomena in material media. It is demonstrated that, in the presence of electromagnetic fields, there is an electromagnetic energy density in the vacuum.

Keywords

Maxwell's equations as vector equationselectromagnetic fields of forceMaxwell's equations in material mediaenergies in electromagnetic fields
Type
Chapter
Information
Theoretical Concepts in Physics
An Alternative View of Theoretical Reasoning in Physics
 , pp. 123 - 142
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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