Maxwell equations + scalar and vector potentials

In summary, the author derives an equation in electromagnetics that relates the time harmonic form of the electric field (\vec{E}) to the vector potential (\vec{A}) and scalar potential (\phi). The author mentions that this may be a familiar result, but does not specify what he is referring to. It is assumed that the reader has a basic understanding of EM and the concept of j, which represents the imaginary unit (sqrt(-1)). The textbook assumes a general vector potential and the equation is in the form of Helmhotlz's theorem.
  • #1
JamesGoh
143
0
Im doing some study on scalar and vector potentials in the area of electromagnetics, and the author of the book derived this equation

[tex]\vec{E} = -j\omega\vec{A} - \nabla\phi[/tex]

where [tex]\vec{A}[/tex] = vector potential and

[tex]\phi[/tex] = scalar potential and

[tex]\vec{E}[/tex] = time harmonic form of electric field

The author goes on to make a statement saying this may be a familiar result, however I am not sure exactly what he is referring to ?? Can anyone shed some light ?
 
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  • #2
Looks like one of these.
What is j, is it [itex]\sqrt{-1}[/itex]? Is a specific vector potential given (say, [tex]A \propto e^{-j \omega t}[/tex]?)
 
  • #3
The author probably assumes you have read an intermediate level EM textbook.
 
  • #4
CompuChip said:
Looks like one of these.
What is j, is it [itex]\sqrt{-1}[/itex]? Is a specific vector potential given (say, [tex]A \propto e^{-j \omega t}[/tex]?)


j = sqrt(-1). The textbook assumes a general vector potential (where at this stage only the curl of the vector potential has been defined)
 
  • #5
Well, as I said, the Maxwell equations contain
[tex]\vec E = \frac{\partial \vec A}{\partial t} - \vec\nabla\phi[/tex]
so if A is something like [tex]\vec A = \vec A_0 e^{-j\omega t}[/tex] then you would get what you posted. That's all I can guess based on your information,
 
  • #6
Sorry, didn't notice your wikipedia link. Will look into it and get back to you !
 
  • #7
i'm not quite sure about what j and omega presents,but the formula seems to be written in the form that satisfy helmhotlz's theorem,hope it help...
 

1. What are Maxwell's equations?

Maxwell's equations are a set of four partial differential equations that describe the behavior of electric and magnetic fields. They were developed by James Clerk Maxwell in the 19th century and are considered one of the cornerstones of electromagnetism.

2. What is a scalar potential?

A scalar potential is a mathematical function that describes the potential energy of a system in terms of a scalar quantity (such as temperature or pressure). In the context of Maxwell's equations, the scalar potential is used to describe the electric potential energy of a charged particle in an electric field.

3. What is a vector potential?

A vector potential is a mathematical function that describes the potential energy of a system in terms of a vector quantity (such as velocity or force). In the context of Maxwell's equations, the vector potential is used to describe the magnetic potential energy of a moving charged particle in a magnetic field.

4. How are scalar and vector potentials related to Maxwell's equations?

Scalar and vector potentials are both used in Maxwell's equations to describe the behavior of electric and magnetic fields. The equations can be written in terms of these potentials, making it easier to solve complex problems involving electromagnetic fields.

5. What are the applications of Maxwell's equations and scalar/vector potentials?

Maxwell's equations and scalar/vector potentials have a wide range of applications, including the study of electromagnetism, the design of electrical and electronic devices, and the development of technologies such as radio, television, and wireless communication. They are also used in fields such as optics, acoustics, and plasma physics.

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