History of the theories of electromagnetism

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the historical theories of electromagnetism, particularly the emission theories leading up to Einstein's work. Participants explore the ideas of Ritz and de Sitter, questioning whether any emission theories exist that do not involve ballistic emissions or particles, specifically referencing Maxwell's equations. The conversation highlights the confusion surrounding the classification of emission theories and the nature of light propagation. A book titled "Electrodynamics from Ampère to Einstein" is recommended for further reading on this topic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maxwell's equations
  • Familiarity with historical figures in electromagnetism, such as Ritz and Newton
  • Knowledge of the concept of ballistic emission theories
  • Basic grasp of wave-particle duality in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Maxwell's equations on wave theory
  • Explore the historical context of Ritz's and de Sitter's theories
  • Investigate alternative emission theories in electromagnetism
  • Read "Electrodynamics from Ampère to Einstein" for a comprehensive overview
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, historians of science, and anyone interested in the evolution of electromagnetic theory and its foundational concepts.

MacOfficial
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I have lately been reading, with interest, the history leading up to Einstein's work as well as some of the debate that ensued after his theories were published. In particular, I was reading some of the ideas Ritz proposed and the disproof of his theories by de Sitter. A question occurred to me, though, while I was reading and I am hoping someone here might know the answer to it. Were there any emission theories ever proposed that did not involve a "ballistic" emission? In other words, were there (or are there) any emission theories (unlike Ritz or even Newton) that suggested the emission was purely a wave and had nothing to do with particle of some sort being emitted and also did not involve some sort of medium, like the so-called aether?
 
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MacOfficial said:
were there (or are there) any emission theories (unlike Ritz or even Newton) that suggested the emission was purely a wave and had nothing to do with particle of some sort being emitted
Isn’t that Maxwell’s equations? If not, I am not sure what you mean by an emission theory emitting waves.
 
Dale said:
Isn’t that Maxwell’s equations? If not, I am not sure what you mean by an emission theory emitting waves.

Well, I guess I am not sure. Maybe it is Maxwell's equations. I am not entirely sure I know how to phrase the question. What I am curious about is an emission theory that cannot be classified as a ballistic emission theory - like Ritz's or Newton's. Was, to your knowledge, such a theory ever proposed that did not involve some sort of particle being emitted from the light source?

I apologize in advance for not being able to be more clear. Maybe what is puzzling me doesn't really make any sense. (Sort of like asking to have a "married bachelor" explained, you know?)
 

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