- #1
lugita15
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In his Lectures on Physics, Feynman derives the electromagnetic energy density u and the electromagnetic energy flux [tex]\vec{S}[/tex]. However, he states that there is an ambiguity in the field energy: the common expressions given for u and [tex]\vec{S}[/tex] are only the simplest known expressions. There are really an infinite number of possible expressions for u and [tex]\vec{S}[/tex] which are consistent with Maxwell's Equations, and as of the publication of the Feynman lectures, no one could figure out which one is correct.
Feynman even says, "People have guessed that the simplest one is probably the correct one, but we must say that we do not know for certain what is the actual location in space of the electromagnetic field energy." He later says, "It is interesting that there seems to be no unique way to resolve the indefiniteness in the location of the field energy."
My question is, since the publication of the Feynman Lectures, has there been any progress in proving that the commonly given expressions for u and [tex]\vec{S}[/tex] are ultimately correct?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You in Advance.
Feynman even says, "People have guessed that the simplest one is probably the correct one, but we must say that we do not know for certain what is the actual location in space of the electromagnetic field energy." He later says, "It is interesting that there seems to be no unique way to resolve the indefiniteness in the location of the field energy."
My question is, since the publication of the Feynman Lectures, has there been any progress in proving that the commonly given expressions for u and [tex]\vec{S}[/tex] are ultimately correct?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You in Advance.