# How to prove that Maxwell eqs. are covariant

1. Dec 19, 2012

### martindrech

Is it enough to see the covariance of the wave equation the fourth-vector potential ($\phi$, $\bar{A}$) satisfy? I mean, is this enough to prove the covariance of Maxwell equations?

The equation would be $∂_{\mu}$$∂^{\mu}$$A^{\nu}$=$\frac{4\pi}{c}$ $J^{\nu}$



2. Dec 19, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

Why can't you just look at Maxwell's equations directly to see that they are covariant?

$$\partial_{\mu} F^{\nu \rho} + \partial_{\nu} F^{\rho \mu} + \partial^{\rho} F^{\mu \nu} = 0$$

$$\nabla_{\mu} F^{\mu \nu} = 4 \pi J^{\nu}$$

3. Dec 19, 2012

### martindrech

Simply because is easier to look (using fourth-vectors) at the equations for the potentials instead of the equation for the fields.

4. Dec 19, 2012

### Staff: Mentor

If the two equations are logically equivalent, yes, you could look at either one. But I don't think the wave equation for the 4-potential is logically equivalent to Maxwell's Equations; Maxwell's Equations imply the wave equation, but I'm not sure the converse is true.