What is the Lagrangian for Electromagnetic Fields?

In summary, the conversation is about two equations written without explanation, which are the Lagrangian equations L=(u, x)= -mc\sqrt(u^{\beta} u_\beta)-\frac{q}{c}A^{\alpha}u_\alpha and L(v,r, t) = -mc^2(1-\frac{v^2}{c^2})-\phi +\frac{q}{c}vA. The equations involve parameters such as mass, speed of light, and potential four vector. The person asking for help has not been able to solve the equations and is seeking assistance.
  • #1
lavster
217
0

Homework Statement



In my notes i have the following two equations written with no explanation where thehy came from... can someone help please!?
[tex]
L=(u, x )= -mc\sqrt(u^{\beta} u_\beta)-\frac{q}{c}A^{\alpha}u_\alpha,

L(v,r, t) = -mc^2(1-\frac{v^2}{c^2})-\phi +\frac{q}{c}vA
[/tex]
L is lagrangian, m mass c speed of light u is speed, A is potential four vector made up of scalar (phi) and vector potential A

Homework Equations


[tex]
L = \frac{1}{2}m u_{\alpha} u^{\alpha}-\frac{1}{c}A^{\alpha}j_{\alpha}-\frac{1}{16\pi}F^{\alpha\beta}F_{\alpha\beta}
[/tex]
F is electromagnetic field tensor



The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea :(
 
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  • #2
Have you tried putting them through the Euler-Lagrange equations and seeing what you
get? It's the case that you usually have to guess at lagrangian, so there is no explanation from where they came from.
 

1. What is an electromagnetic Lagrangian?

An electromagnetic Lagrangian is a mathematical expression that describes the dynamics of electromagnetic fields. It is a fundamental concept in the study of electromagnetism and is used to understand the behavior of electric and magnetic fields.

2. How is the electromagnetic Lagrangian used in physics?

The electromagnetic Lagrangian is used in physics to derive the equations that govern the behavior of electromagnetic fields, such as Maxwell's equations. It is also used to calculate the energy and momentum of electromagnetic fields, which are important quantities in understanding the interactions between particles and fields.

3. What is the difference between the electromagnetic Lagrangian and the electromagnetic potential?

The electromagnetic potential is a vector field that describes the electric and magnetic fields in terms of a scalar potential and a vector potential. The electromagnetic Lagrangian, on the other hand, is a more general mathematical concept that describes the dynamics of electromagnetic fields in terms of a Lagrangian density. The Lagrangian density can be used to derive the electromagnetic potential, but it also includes other important information such as the energy and momentum of the fields.

4. Can the electromagnetic Lagrangian be applied to other fields besides electromagnetism?

Yes, the concept of a Lagrangian can be applied to other types of fields, such as gravitational fields or quantum fields. The specific form of the Lagrangian will depend on the field being studied, but the general concept of using a Lagrangian to describe the dynamics of a field remains the same.

5. How does the electromagnetic Lagrangian relate to the principle of least action?

The principle of least action states that a physical system will follow the path that minimizes the action, which is defined as the integral of the Lagrangian over time. In the case of electromagnetic fields, the electromagnetic Lagrangian is used to calculate the action and determine the path that the fields will follow. This principle is a fundamental concept in classical mechanics and is also applicable to other fields of physics.

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