Is the Magnetic Vector Potential Dependent on a Constant Vector?

In summary, the magnetic vector potential is not dependent on a constant vector. This is because the potential is a gauge-dependent quantity, meaning that it can be changed by a gauge transformation without affecting the physical results. Therefore, the value of the magnetic vector potential is not affected by the presence or absence of a constant vector.
  • #1
Poop-Loops
732
1

Homework Statement



It's problem 2.b) on this page:

http://www.phys.washington.edu/users/schick/322A/322-08ps3.pdf

The Attempt at a Solution



So, what it looks like to me, since the only terms in the actual vector potential are all multiplied, Lambda would have to be a constant, so that when you take the gradient of it, it becomes 0 and doesn't change A'. So basically A=A' and Lambda = some constant vector.

If Lambda wasn't constant, then taking the gradient would give some additional terms added to A, whereas no addition takes place.
 
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  • #2
Write A' in Cartesian coords.
Take the difference D=A-A'.
It should be easy to show that D is a gradient.
 

1. What is magnetic vector potential?

The magnetic vector potential is a mathematical quantity used to describe the magnetic field in a given region. It is a vector field that is defined by the curl of the magnetic field, and is closely related to the electric vector potential.

2. How is magnetic vector potential related to the magnetic field?

The magnetic vector potential is directly related to the magnetic field by the equation B = ∇ x A, where B is the magnetic field and A is the magnetic vector potential. This means that the magnetic field can be calculated from the magnetic vector potential, and vice versa.

3. What is the significance of magnetic vector potential in electromagnetism?

The magnetic vector potential plays a crucial role in the study of electromagnetism. It is used in Maxwell's equations to describe the behavior of electromagnetic fields, and is also used in the calculation of electromagnetic potentials and forces between charged particles.

4. How is magnetic vector potential different from electric vector potential?

The magnetic vector potential and electric vector potential are closely related, but they represent different aspects of electromagnetic fields. The electric vector potential is used to describe the electric field, while the magnetic vector potential is used to describe the magnetic field. Additionally, the electric vector potential is a scalar field, whereas the magnetic vector potential is a vector field.

5. Can magnetic vector potential be measured directly?

No, magnetic vector potential cannot be measured directly because it is a mathematical construct. However, it can be calculated from the magnetic field using the equation B = ∇ x A. The magnetic field can be measured using instruments such as magnetometers, which indirectly provide information about the magnetic vector potential.

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