Can Both Lorentz and Coulomb Gauges Be Satisfied Simultaneously?

In summary, to determine the constant K for the given potentials, assuming they satisfy the Lorentz gauge, you can use the equation K = c^2 \mu_0 \epsilon_0. To check if the potentials also satisfy the Coulomb gauge, you can plug them into the equation \bigtriangledown \cdot \vec{A} = 0 and see if it holds true. Additionally, it can be shown that for a set of potentials, the Coulomb and Lorentz gauges can be simultaneously satisfied if V does not vary with time. This condition is not sufficient for the two gauges to be mutually exclusive, as they can still be satisfied simultaneously if V varies with time.
  • #1
ultimateguy
125
1

Homework Statement


For the potentials:

[tex] V(\vec{r}, t) = ct [/tex]
[tex] \vec{A}(\vec{r}, t) = -\frac{K}{c} x \^x[/tex]

c being velocity of light in a vacuum, determine the constant K assuming the potentials satisfy the Lorentz gauge.
b) Do these potentials satisfy the Coulomb gauge as well?
c) Show that for a set of potentials the Coulomb and Lorentz gauges can be simultaneously satisfied if V does not vary with time.
d) Is this condition sufficient for the two gauges not to be mutually exclusive?

Homework Equations


For the Coulomb gauge:
[tex]\bigtriangledown \cdot \vec{A} = 0[/tex]

For the Lorentz gauge:

[tex] \bigtriangledown \cdot \vec{A} = -\mu_0 \epsilon_0 \frac{\partial V}{\partial t}[/tex]

Also:

[tex] \bigtriangledown^2 + \frac{\partial}{\partial t} (\bigtriangledown \cdot \vec{A}) = -\frac{1}{\epsilon_0} \rho[/tex]

[tex] (\bigtriangledown^2 \vec{A} - \mu_0 \epsilon_0 \frac{\partial^2 \vec{A}}{\partial^2 t}) - \bigtriangledown(\bigtriangledown \cdot \vec{A} + \mu_0 \epsilon_0\frac{\partial V}{\partial t}) = -\mu_0 \vec{J}[/tex]

Which contain all the information in Maxwell's equations.

The Attempt at a Solution



I solved the first part, found that the constant K is

[tex] K = c^2 \mu_0 \epsilon_0[/tex]

My question is, how do I show that these potentials "satisfy" a gauge? Do I just plug the potentials into the condition for the divergence of A or is it something else?
 
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  • #2
You plug them into the appropriate "For the ____ gauge" equation, and see if the equation is true or false for those particular potentials.
 

1. What is the Lorentz gauge?

The Lorentz gauge is a mathematical condition used in the study of electromagnetic fields. It is based on the work of physicist Hendrik Lorentz and states that the divergence of the vector potential must be equal to zero. This condition simplifies the equations used to describe electromagnetic phenomena.

2. What is the Coulomb gauge?

The Coulomb gauge is another mathematical condition used in the study of electromagnetic fields. It is based on the work of physicist Charles-Augustin de Coulomb and states that the scalar potential must be equal to zero. This condition simplifies the equations used to describe electromagnetic phenomena.

3. What is the difference between the Lorentz and Coulomb gauges?

The main difference between the Lorentz and Coulomb gauges is the condition that each one imposes. In the Lorentz gauge, the divergence of the vector potential is zero, while in the Coulomb gauge, the scalar potential is zero. This leads to different mathematical formulations and simplifications in the study of electromagnetic fields.

4. When should the Lorentz gauge be used?

The Lorentz gauge is often used in situations where the electric field is relatively weak, such as in the study of electromagnetic waves. This is because the condition of the gauge makes the equations easier to solve and interpret in these cases.

5. When should the Coulomb gauge be used?

The Coulomb gauge is often used in situations where the electric field is relatively strong, such as in the study of electrostatics. This is because the condition of the gauge makes the equations easier to solve and interpret in these cases. Additionally, the Coulomb gauge is often used when working with stationary charges and does not take into account any time-varying effects.

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