L's Contradiction Method: Proving EM Laws Independently of Frame of Reference

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on proving that electromagnetic laws are independent of the frame of reference, with a focus on the contradiction method used by Einstein. Participants mention Griffith's "Intro to Electrodynamics," particularly Chapter 10, as a relevant resource. The key argument presented is that Maxwell's equations can be expressed using four-vectors and tensors that transform correctly under Lorentz transformations. This formulation includes the electric scalar potential and magnetic vector potential, as well as the electromagnetic field tensor. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the mathematical framework that supports the independence of electromagnetic laws from reference frames.
Dr.Brain
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Whats the simplest proof that the Electromagnetic laws are independent of frame of reference? .What I know is contradiction method which einstein also used to conclude the postulate of SR.

BJ
 
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Er... what about all of Chapter 10 of Griffith's Intro to Electrodynamics text?

<scratching head>

Zz.
 
Dr.Brain said:
Whats the simplest proof that the Electromagnetic laws are independent of frame of reference?
The fact that Maxwell's equations can be written completely in terms of four-vectors and/or tensors that transform appropriately under a Lorentz transformation. http://hepth.hanyang.ac.kr/~kst/lect/relativity/x850.htm for details. I think Griffiths uses a similar method, but I don't have my books here at home.
This argument writes Maxwell's equations in terms of the (electric) scalar potential and the (magnetic) vector potential. You can also write them in terms of the electromagnetic field tensor F, whose components are the components of \vec E and \vec B. Griffiths has the details.
 
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