Maxwell equations and special relativety

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between Maxwell's equations and Einstein's theory of special relativity, exploring how these equations align with the principles of relativity, particularly in the context of electromagnetic phenomena and their behavior in different inertial frames.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how Maxwell's equations align with special relativity.
  • Another participant states that Maxwell's equations are Lorentz invariant and require the Lorentz transformation to ensure consistency across inertial frames.
  • A different participant argues that the agreement between Maxwell's equations and relativity is fundamental, noting that Maxwell's equations did not conform to Galilean relativity, which assumed an absolute frame of reference.
  • Additionally, a participant mentions that a specific solution to Maxwell's equations describes a wave traveling at the speed of light, suggesting that this supports the notion of light as an electromagnetic phenomenon and is a foundational aspect of special relativity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the relationship between Maxwell's equations and special relativity, with some agreeing on their compatibility while others highlight historical context and implications. The discussion does not reach a consensus on all points raised.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about the nature of electromagnetic waves and their propagation speed, as well as the implications of Lorentz invariance. There are unresolved aspects regarding the historical transition from Galilean to relativistic frameworks.

mish3
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how do maxwell's equations agree with einstein's special relativety theory??
 
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They are Lorentz invariant, infact you need the Lorentz transformation in order to make sure that they do not vary between inertial frames (which would be very troublesome).
 
Indeed, they are, in sense, the whole point of relativity. Maxwell's equations did not agree with "Galillean" relativity which seemed to imply that all speeds had to be measured relative to some absolute fixed point. Repeated experiments showed that that was not true. Relativity extended Galillean relativity to include electro-magnetic effects.
 
And also: A certain solution to the Maxwell equations is a description of a wave moving at a speed [itex]1/ \sqrt{\epsilon_0 \mu_0}[/itex] which can be calculated to be about 300.000 km/s =c or the speed of light. Together with the Lorentz transformation rules which the Maxwell equations obey this implies that light is an electromagnetic phenomena and propagates at a fixed speed. This is one of the axioms of SR.
 

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