Most accurate form of maxwell equations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the most accurate formulation of Maxwell's equations in light of current understandings of quantum mechanics (QM) and relativity. Participants explore the relationship between classical electromagnetism and quantum electrodynamics (QED), as well as the implications of photon mass.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the covariant formulation of classical electromagnetism might be the most accurate representation of Maxwell's equations.
  • Others argue that the assertion of a photon having greater than zero rest mass is not a fact, leading to a discussion about the implications of QM on energy states.
  • A participant states that Maxwell's equations are definitive for classical electromagnetism and that merging them with quantum mechanics leads to QED, which is outside the classical regime.
  • Another participant suggests that the generalization of Maxwell's equations to curved spacetime represents the best theory of classical electrodynamics.
  • Some participants express interest in the relativistic quantum electrodynamic form of Maxwell's equations, indicating a desire to explore beyond classical interpretations.
  • There is a correction regarding the terminology of "grand unified theory," with a participant clarifying its specific meaning in the context of particle physics.
  • One participant mentions the need to study quantum field theory (QFT) before tackling QED, indicating a progression in understanding required for these concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the accuracy and interpretation of Maxwell's equations, particularly in relation to quantum mechanics and the nature of photons. The discussion remains unresolved with no consensus on the most accurate form.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of terms like "grand unified theory" and the assumptions about photon mass and energy states, which remain contested among participants.

DeepSeeded
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What is everyones thoughts on the most accurate form of these equations with our current understanding of QM and relativity. Including the fact that a photon has greater than 0 rest mass.

Would the two tensor equations of Covariant formulation of classical electromagnetism be the most accurate?
 
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DeepSeeded said:
Including the fact that a photon has greater than 0 rest mass.

This is not a fact.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
This is not a fact.

I thought QM proves no form of energy can ever be 0, at minimum it must be hbar/2
 
Maxwell's equations ARE classical EM. No less accurate or more accurate forms. Those 4 equations detail all that there is to say about classical EM (which is really quite amazing). If you want to meld electromagnetism with quantum mechanics and special relativity then you're simply not in the classical regime and the combined theory of all those is called QED (Quantum Electrodynamics). If you want to merge that with general relativity then... well... no one knows. That's the current holy grail of particle physics research. What is called a "grand unified theory"
 
The best theory of classical electrodynamics is the generalization of Maxwell's equations to curved spacetime. By classical I mean non-quantum.
 
maverick_starstrider said:
Maxwell's equations ARE classical EM. No less accurate or more accurate forms. Those 4 equations detail all that there is to say about classical EM (which is really quite amazing). If you want to meld electromagnetism with quantum mechanics and special relativity then you're simply not in the classical regime and the combined theory of all those is called QED (Quantum Electrodynamics). If you want to merge that with general relativity then... well... no one knows. That's the current holy grail of particle physics research. What is called a "grand unified theory"

You are misusing the term "grand unified theory." Grand unification is the unification of electroweak and strong forces into different aspects of the same force.

Otherwise I think you hit the nail on the head with regards to the original post.
 
I am looking for the reletavistic quantum electrodynamic form of these equations, it does not need to be classical.
 
DeepSeeded said:
I thought QM proves no form of energy can ever be 0, at minimum it must be hbar/2

The units of h_bar/2 is not energy but momentum or action. Energy can be zero, no problem with it. Photons are massless by definition.
 
DeepSeeded said:
I am looking for the reletavistic quantum electrodynamic form of these equations, it does not need to be classical.
Then take the standard QED: it consists of EMF equations and charge motion equations coupled together.
 
  • #10
ok going to take QED after I finish QM core
 
  • #11
DeepSeeded said:
ok going to take QED after I finish QM core

You're going to have to take a stop at QFT in between.
 

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