How is the Faraday Tensor related to the 4-potential?

In summary, the Faraday Tensor is a mathematical expression that relates to the 4-potential, which is given by the equation F^{mn} = \Box^{m} A^n - \Box^n A^m. It is used to show the relationship between the electric field and the 4-potential, and can be derived from Faraday's law. The scalar and vector potentials are defined as -\nabla \phi and \frac{\partial \vec{A}}{\partial t} respectively, and are used to explain the concept of changing magnetic fields producing electric fields. Faraday's law is a defining principle in electro-dynamics and cannot be proven, but it can be used to explain the relationship between
  • #1
unscientific
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The Faraday Tensor is given by:

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Consider the following outer product with the 4-potential:

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The Faraday Tensor is related to the 4-potential:

[tex]F^{mn} = \Box^{m} A^n - \Box^n A^m[/tex]

For example, ## F^{01} = -\frac{1}{c} \frac{\partial A^x}{\partial t} - \frac{1}{c}\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial x} ##

How do I show that ## \frac{E_x}{c} = -\frac{1}{c} \frac{\partial A^x}{\partial t} - \frac{1}{c}\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial x} ##?
 
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  • #2
How are the scalar and vector potentials defined?
 
  • #3
DaleSpam said:
How are the scalar and vector potentials defined?
[tex] E = -\nabla \phi - \frac{\partial A}{\partial t} [/tex]

How do I prove this?
 
  • #4
You don't prove it. All definitions are true by definition.
 
  • #5
Also, in einstein summation, why does the ##\mu## go to the bottom on the first term:

[tex] X \dot X = X_{\mu} X^{\mu} [/tex]
 
  • #6
DaleSpam said:
You don't prove it. All definitions are true by definition.

I thought usually electric field is simply the grad of potential? ## E = -\nabla \phi##
 
  • #7
unscientific said:
I thought usually electric field is simply the grad of potential? ## E = -\nabla \phi##

This is true in electro-statics, but not true in electro-dynamics. In electro-dynamics Faraday's law tells you that a changing magnetic field will produce an electric field. That is where the ##\frac{\partial \vec{A}}{\partial t}## term comes from.
 
  • #8
Matterwave said:
This is true in electro-statics, but not true in electro-dynamics. In electro-dynamics Faraday's law tells you that a changing magnetic field will produce an electric field. That is where the ##\frac{\partial \vec{A}}{\partial t}## term comes from.

Is there a derivation for this?
 
  • #9
unscientific said:
Is there a derivation for this?

It is basically a definition, not so much a derivation. By Gauss's law for magnetism we know ##\nabla\cdot\vec{B}=0## so that we can define ##\vec{B}\equiv\nabla\times\vec{A}## for some vector potential ##\vec{A}##, Faraday's law tells us ##\nabla\times\vec{E}=-\frac{1}{c}\frac{\partial \vec{B}}{\partial t}=-\frac{1}{c}\nabla\times\frac{\partial \vec{A}}{\partial t}## so we know that if we define ##\vec{E}\equiv -\nabla\phi-\frac{1}{c}\frac{\partial \vec{A}}{\partial t}## everything will work out (the first term will go away when you take the curl of it). Notice that because of Faraday's law, we can not simply define ##\vec{E}\equiv\nabla\phi## since this will imply ##\nabla\times\vec{E}=0## which is not true.
 
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FAQ: How is the Faraday Tensor related to the 4-potential?

1. What is a Faraday Tensor Matrix Element?

A Faraday Tensor Matrix Element is a mathematical term used in the field of electromagnetism to describe the strength of the electric and magnetic fields at a specific point in space. It is represented by a 4x4 matrix and is used to calculate the force on a charged particle in an electromagnetic field.

2. How is a Faraday Tensor Matrix Element calculated?

The Faraday Tensor Matrix Element is calculated using the electric and magnetic fields at a specific point in space. These fields are represented by vectors and are used to calculate the elements of the matrix using specific equations and principles from electromagnetic theory.

3. What is the significance of the Faraday Tensor Matrix Element?

The Faraday Tensor Matrix Element is significant because it provides a way to mathematically describe and calculate the electromagnetic force on a charged particle. This is crucial in understanding and predicting the behavior of electrically charged particles in a given electromagnetic field.

4. How does the Faraday Tensor Matrix Element relate to Maxwell's equations?

The Faraday Tensor Matrix Element is closely related to Maxwell's equations, which are a set of fundamental equations in electromagnetism. Specifically, it is used in the fourth equation, known as the Maxwell-Faraday equation, which describes the relationship between changing magnetic fields and induced electric fields.

5. In what applications is the Faraday Tensor Matrix Element used?

The Faraday Tensor Matrix Element is used in a variety of applications, including but not limited to: predicting the behavior of charged particles in magnetic fields, calculating the electromagnetic force in particle accelerators, and understanding the behavior of light in polarized media. It is also used in the development of new technologies, such as electromagnetic cloaking devices.

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