Force, torque, linear momentum, and angular momentum in classical electrodynamics
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Mansuripur_Electromagnetic_For ...
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Final Accepted Manuscript
Author
Mansuripur, Masud
Affiliation
Univ Arizona, Coll Opt SciIssue Date
2017-10
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SPRINGERCitation
Mansuripur, M. Appl. Phys. A (2017) 123: 653. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-017-1253-2Rights
© Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany 2017.Collection Information
This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at repository@u.library.arizona.edu.Abstract
The classical theory of electrodynamics is built upon Maxwell's equations and the concepts of electromagnetic (EM) field, force, energy, and momentum, which are intimately tied together by Poynting's theorem and by the Lorentz force law. Whereas Maxwell's equations relate the fields to their material sources, Poynting's theorem governs the flow of EM energy and its exchange between fields and material media, while the Lorentz law regulates the back-and-forth transfer of momentum between the media and the fields. An alternative force law, first proposed by Einstein and Laub, exists that is consistent with Maxwell's equations and complies with the conservation laws as well as with the requirements of special relativity. While the Lorentz law requires the introduction of hidden energy and hidden momentum in situations where an electric field acts on a magnetized medium, the Einstein-Laub (E-L) formulation of EM force and torque does not invoke hidden entities under such circumstances. Moreover, total force/torque exerted by EM fields on any given object turns out to be independent of whether the density of force/torque is evaluated using the law of Lorentz or that of Einstein and Laub. Hidden entities aside, the two formulations differ only in their predicted force and torque distributions inside matter. Such differences in distribution are occasionally measurable, and could serve as a guide in deciding which formulation, if either, corresponds to physical reality.Note
12 month embargo; published online: 19 September 2017ISSN
0947-83961432-0630
Version
Final accepted manuscriptAdditional Links
http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00339-017-1253-2ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1007/s00339-017-1253-2