Maxwell's eqn in invariant form

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the formulation of Maxwell's equations in invariant form, particularly in the context of introducing magnetic charge and current. Participants explore the implications of this modification and the definition of the dual tensor related to the electromagnetic tensor.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the invariant form of Maxwell's equations and queries how they would change with the introduction of magnetic charge and current.
  • Another participant suggests that the dual tensor D^{\mu \nu} can be used in place of the standard form, proposing that it could be set proportional to a hypothetical magnetic four-current M^{\mu} instead of being equal to zero.
  • A question is raised regarding the definition of the dual tensor, prompting further clarification on its relationship to the electromagnetic tensor and the Levi-Civita tensor.
  • A later reply provides a definition of the dual tensor, indicating its formulation in terms of the electromagnetic tensor and the Levi-Civita tensor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on how Maxwell's equations should be modified to include magnetic charge and current. There are competing views on the use of the dual tensor and its implications.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on the constants that would be involved in the proposed modifications and the need for empirical justification for the existence of magnetic monopoles.

mathfeel
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Maxwell's eqn, in invariant form reads:

[tex]F^{\mu \nu}{}_{;\nu} = J^{\mu}[/tex]

and

[tex]F_{\alpha \beta ;\gamma} + F_{\beta \gamma ;\alpha}+F_{\gamma \alpha; \beta} = 0[/tex]

Can someone give Maxwell's eqn if there is magnetic charge and current? I do not believe the form (matrix element) of F change, however, if it does, please state that as well.
 
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Originally posted by mathfeel
Maxwell's eqn, in invariant form reads:

[tex]F^{\mu \nu}{}_{;\nu} = J^{\mu}[/tex]

and

[tex]F_{\alpha \beta ;\gamma} + F_{\beta \gamma ;\alpha}+F_{\gamma \alpha; \beta} = 0[/tex]

Can someone give Maxwell's eqn if there is magnetic charge and current? I do not believe the form (matrix element) of F change, however, if it does, please state that as well.

The second can be written in terms of the electromagnetic duel tensor [tex]D^{\mu \nu}[/tex] as
[tex]D^{\mu \nu}{}_{;\nu} = 0[/tex]
Instead of setting that equal to zero try setting it proportional to your hypothetical magnetic four current [tex]M^\mu[/tex] like:
[tex]D^{\mu \nu}{}_{;\nu} = kM^{\mu}[/tex]
(Normally I would explicitely put in the constants determied by your system of units for both sets of equations)
I haven't checked into this, but off the top of my head I think this would work. Of course your next job will be to go out and find a magnetic monopole in order to justify having done this.
 
How do you define the dual tensor?
 
Originally posted by mathfeel
How do you define the dual tensor?

The electromagnetic duel tensor [tex]D_{\mu\nu}[/tex] is related to the electromagnetic tensor [tex]F^{\mu\nu}[/tex] and the rank 4 Levi-Civita tensor [tex]\epsilon_{\alpha\beta\mu\nu}[/tex] by
[tex]D_{\mu\nu} = \frac{1}{2}F^{\alpha\beta}\epsilon_{\alpha\beta\mu\nu}[/tex].
 

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