Working with Electric Field E, not Vector Potential A

In summary, the conversation discusses working with electric field E instead of vector potential A in relation to Maxwell's Equations. It is mentioned that Maxwell's Equations are commonly written in terms of E and B, and can be rewritten in terms of the potentials as well.
  • #1
WeiJie
1
0
We commonly have E and B defined as:
e99910141286a0c46ef245c0ffb0a07d0a830817

06e479269ae003ed92c057eecdcf35f2b060cf70


But how can I work in electric field E, instead of vector potential A?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I am sorry, but it is unclear what you are asking. Can you be more specific?
 
  • #3
WeiJie said:
We commonly have E and B defined as:
e99910141286a0c46ef245c0ffb0a07d0a830817

06e479269ae003ed92c057eecdcf35f2b060cf70


But how can I work in electric field E, instead of vector potential A?

That's not Maxwell's Equations. That is the relationship between the potentials and ##\mathbf E## and ##\mathbf B##.

Maxwell's Equations are commonly written in terms of ##\mathbf E## and ##\mathbf B##:
$$\nabla \cdot \mathbf E = \frac \rho {\varepsilon_0} \\
\nabla \cdot \mathbf B = 0 \\
\nabla \times \mathbf E = - \frac {\partial \mathbf B} {\partial t} \\
\nabla \times \mathbf B = \mu_0 \mathbf J + \mu_0 \varepsilon_0 \frac {\partial \mathbf E} {\partial t}$$

Those can of course be rewritten in terms of the potentials by substitution. But the usual thing you find when you search for "Maxwell's Equations" is in terms of the fields.
 
  • Like
Likes vanhees71

FAQ: Working with Electric Field E, not Vector Potential A

What is the difference between Electric Field E and Vector Potential A?

Electric Field E and Vector Potential A are both important concepts in the study of electromagnetism. However, they represent different physical quantities. Electric Field E is a vector field that describes the strength and direction of the electric force at any given point in space. Vector Potential A, on the other hand, is a mathematical construct used to simplify the calculation of electric and magnetic fields in certain situations.

How do you calculate Electric Field E using Vector Potential A?

In most cases, Electric Field E can be calculated directly using Coulomb's law or the principle of superposition. However, in situations where the current distribution is known, it is often more convenient to use the vector potential A to calculate E. This is done using the equation E = -∇φ - ∂A/∂t, where φ is the electric potential and ∂A/∂t is the time derivative of the vector potential A.

What are some common applications of working with Electric Field E and Vector Potential A?

Working with Electric Field E and Vector Potential A is crucial in many areas of science and engineering. Some common applications include designing electrical circuits, understanding the behavior of electromagnetic waves, and studying the properties of materials in the presence of electric and magnetic fields.

Can Electric Field E and Vector Potential A be used interchangeably?

No, Electric Field E and Vector Potential A cannot be used interchangeably. While they are both related to the same physical phenomenon of electromagnetism, they represent different quantities and have different mathematical properties. In some situations, one may be more useful than the other, but they cannot be used interchangeably.

How do Electric Field E and Vector Potential A relate to each other in Maxwell's equations?

In Maxwell's equations, Electric Field E and Vector Potential A are closely related. The equations describe how these two quantities change in response to each other and to the presence of charges and currents. Specifically, the equations for Electric Field E involve the gradient of the electric potential φ, while the equations for Vector Potential A involve the curl of Electric Field E.

Back
Top