Four-vector Dipole Moment: Electric & Magnetic

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the four-vector representation of electric and magnetic dipole moments, specifically addressing the electromagnetic tensor ##F^{\mu\nu}## and its relationship to the dipole moments represented by the anti-symmetric rank 2 tensor ##M^{\mu\nu}##. It is established that there is no four-vector that describes dipole moments; instead, they form an anti-symmetric rank 2 tensor. The interaction term proportional to ##F_{\mu\nu}M^{\mu\nu}## can be included in the Lagrangian density to describe dipole interactions. The conversation also touches on the implications of restricting to the ##SO(3)## subgroup of spatial rotations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic tensors, specifically ##F^{\mu\nu}##.
  • Knowledge of anti-symmetric rank 2 tensors, particularly ##M^{\mu\nu}##.
  • Familiarity with Lagrangian density in the context of field theory.
  • Concepts of spatial rotations and the ##SO(3)## subgroup.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of anti-symmetric rank 2 tensors in physics.
  • Study the construction and implications of the electromagnetic tensor ##F^{\mu\nu}##.
  • Learn about Lagrangian density and its role in describing interactions in field theory.
  • Explore the differences between vector and pseudo vector representations in the context of ##SO(3)## and ##O(3)##.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, students of electromagnetism, and researchers interested in advanced topics related to dipole moments and tensor analysis in field theory.

arpon
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What is the four-vector related to electric and magnetic dipole moment?
 
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I have never think about that. How about electromagnetic tensor ##F^{\mu\nu}## represented by ##\mathbf{P}## and ##\mathbf{M}## instead of ##\mathbf{E}## and ##\mathbf{B}## ? I am not sure at all ##\epsilon## and ##\mu## are constant in Lorentz transformation.
Best.
 
sweet springs said:
I have never think about that. How about electromagnetic tensor ##F^{\mu\nu}## represented by ##\mathbf{P}## and ##\mathbf{M}## instead of ##\mathbf{E}## and ##\mathbf{B}## ? I am not sure at all ##\epsilon## and ##\mu## are constant in Lorentz transformation.
Best.
It is not the field tensor ##F^{\mu\nu}##, it is a separate anti-symmetric rank 2 tensor ##M^{\mu\nu}##. It is true that it is constructed from the electric and magnetic dipole moments in the same way ##F## is constructed from the electric and magnetic fields. You can then put an interaction term proportional to ##F_{\mu\nu}M^{\mu\nu}## into the Lagrangian density, effectively describing the dipole interactions.

Edit: So to answer the OP. There is no 4-vector describing the dipole moments. The dipole moments together form an anti-symmetric rank 2 tensor. If you only consider the ##SO(3)## subgroup of spatial rotations, the 6-dimensional anti-symmetric tensor representation splits into the two 3-dimensional vector representations.

Edit 2: Well, actually one vector representation and one pseudo vector representation ...

Edit 3: Well, actually, if restricted to ##SO(3)## the vector and pseudo vector representations are the same ... It makes a difference if restricted to ##O(3)##.
 
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