An infinite progression of 'meta charge'

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Phrak
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Charge Infinite
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of conserved charges in electromagnetism, specifically focusing on the Lorentz covariant vector \( J^{\mu} = (\rho, \textbf{J}) \) derived from the Maxwell tensor \( F^{\mu\nu} \). It highlights that \( J^{\mu} \) can be expressed as a function of the electric and magnetic potentials \( (\phi, \textbf{A}) \), indicating that electric charge is a second derivative of the potential field \( A^{\nu} \). Furthermore, it introduces a new conserved quantity \( K^{\mu} = f(J^{\nu}) \) and raises questions about its physical significance, suggesting an infinite sequence of such charges exists.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz covariant vectors
  • Familiarity with the Maxwell tensor \( F^{\mu\nu} \)
  • Knowledge of electric and magnetic potentials \( (\phi, \textbf{A}) \)
  • Concept of derivatives in the context of field theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical properties of the Maxwell tensor \( F^{\mu\nu} \)
  • Explore the implications of conserved quantities in electromagnetism
  • Study the role of derivatives in field theory, particularly in relation to charge conservation
  • Investigate the significance of higher-order conserved charges in theoretical physics
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, electromagnetism researchers, and advanced students in physics who are exploring the complexities of conserved charges and their implications in field theory.

Phrak
Messages
4,266
Reaction score
7
There are many conserved charges in electromagnetism besides electric charge.

The electric charge and current combine to form a Lorentz covariant vector, [tex]\ J^{\mu} = (\rho, \textbf{J})[/tex].

This vector is a derivative of the the Maxwell tensor, [tex]F^{\mu\nu}[/tex]. (More specifically, a derivative of [tex]\ \epsilon_{\rho\sigma\mu\nu} F^{\mu\nu}[/tex].)

The Maxwell tensor can be defined in terms of the electric and magnetic potentials, [tex]\ (\phi ,\textbf{A})[/tex], so that [tex]\ J^{\mu}[/tex] is also a function of [tex](\phi,\textbf{A})[/tex]

Without distraction by the mathematical details, the electric charge, is a second derivative of the potential field, [tex]\ A^{\nu}=(\phi,\textbf{A})[/tex] :

[tex]J^{\mu} = f(A^{\nu})[/tex]​

Applying the same function, f, it's immediately apparent that a quantity K, is conserved as well,

[tex]K^{\mu} = f(J^{\nu})[/tex]​

I can't imagine the physical significance of the charge, [tex]\ K^0[/tex] if there is one. [tex](\rho,\textbf{J})[/tex] would be required to be twice differentiable over space and time.

Here appears to be this persistent stuff, whatever it is. It it, in general, nonzero. It never goes away, but we don't seem to notice it. Does it have a name?

BTW, there should be an infinite sequence of these 'charges,' [tex]f^{n}(A^{\mu})[/tex], n=0,1,2,...
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Anyone there?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
813
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K