## Maxwell stress tensor coordinate system

Hello,

I am trying to understand the Maxwell Stress Tensor. Specifically, I would like to know if it is coordinate-system dependent (and if so, what the expressions are for the stress tensor in cylindrical and spherical coordinates).

Griffiths gives the definition of the maxwell stress tensor in EQ8.19:
$$T_{ij} = \epsilon_0 (E_i E_j - \tfrac{1}{2} \delta_{ij} E^2) + \frac{1}{\mu_0} (B_i B_j - \tfrac{1}{2} \delta_{ij} B^2)$$

where Griffiths says i and j can be x, y, z -- now can they also by r, z, phi or r, theta, phi? (or do we require a new definition for the stress tensor to handle cylindrical and spherical coordinates?)

Any comments would be really appreciated! Thanks!
Eric
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 Recognitions: Homework Help Science Advisor It would work in other orthogonal systems. Derivatives get changed in the other systems.

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