Electromagnetic Potentials in Relativity: Retarded Potentials?

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Thread starter kent davidge
Start date Oct 27, 2019
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Electromagnetic Potentials Relativity

In summary, electromagnetic potentials in relativity are four-dimensional vectors used to describe the behavior of electromagnetic fields in the context of Einstein's theory of relativity. Retarded potentials, which take into account the finite speed of light, are calculated using Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz transformation. They have significant applications in communication, energy, medicine, and our understanding of the universe.

Oct 27, 2019

kent davidge

What's the most used type of electromagnetic potential? Is it the retarded potentials?

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Oct 27, 2019

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kent davidge said:

What's the most used type of electromagnetic potential? Is it the retarded potentials?

As far as I know, yes. Wheeler-Feynman absorber theory is apparently something that exists, but I know little about it.

1. What are electromagnetic potentials in relativity?

Electromagnetic potentials in relativity refer to the mathematical quantities used to describe the behavior of electric and magnetic fields in the framework of Einstein's theory of relativity. These potentials are used to calculate the electromagnetic fields and their effects on charged particles in a relativistic setting.

2. What are retarded potentials in relativity?

Retarded potentials are a type of electromagnetic potential that takes into account the effects of relativity on the propagation of electromagnetic fields. They take into account the finite speed of light and the delay in the interaction between charged particles, resulting in a more accurate description of the fields in a relativistic framework.

3. How are retarded potentials calculated?

Retarded potentials are calculated using the Maxwell's equations, which describe the behavior of electric and magnetic fields. These equations are modified to take into account the effects of relativity, resulting in a set of equations that can be solved to obtain the retarded potentials.

4. What is the significance of retarded potentials in relativity?

Retarded potentials are significant because they provide a more accurate description of the behavior of electromagnetic fields in a relativistic setting. They take into account the finite speed of light and the delay in interactions between charged particles, which is crucial for understanding the behavior of these fields in high-speed or high-energy situations.

5. How do retarded potentials relate to other concepts in relativity?

Retarded potentials are closely related to other concepts in relativity, such as the Lorentz transformation and the concept of causality. They are also used in the calculation of other important quantities in relativity, such as the electromagnetic stress-energy tensor. Understanding retarded potentials is essential for a complete understanding of the behavior of electromagnetic fields in the framework of relativity.