One hard theoretical question

In summary, the problem at hand is related to the energy of the electromagnetic field and the condition that the electric and magnetic fields must go to zero at least as \frac{1}{r^2} in infinity. This condition must be satisfied in order for the fields to have a localized effect and for the energy of the wavefront to remain constant. The surface integral of the Poynting vector term in the equation is equal to zero because the fields are zero everywhere on the surface being integrated over. This is due to the fact that the volume is not an active medium, and the fields must go to zero at infinity for a unique solution to be obtained.
  • #1
Petar Mali
290
0
The problem is with energy of electromagnetic field

[tex]-\frac{d}{dt}\int_V\frac{1}{2}(\vec{E}\cdot\hat{\epsilon}\vec{E}+\vec{B}\hat{\mu^{-1}}\vec{B})dV=\oint(\vec{E}\times\vec{H})\cdot d\vec{S}+\int_V\vec{j}\cdot\vec{E}dV[/tex]

I have this relation

[tex]\hat{\epsilon}, \hat{\mu}^{-1}[/tex] are symmetric tensors. Now we look total field. This is or finite area in which bounaries electric and magnetic field are equal to zero, or whole space with a condition that electric and magnetic field goes to zero at least as [tex]\frac{1}{r^2}[/tex] in infinity.

So electric and magnetic field must be functions of [tex]\frac{1}{r^{2+\epsilon}}[/tex] where [tex]\epsilon \geq 0[/tex]


Why this condition must be satisfied?


In first case of finite area [tex]\oint(\vec{E}\times\vec{H})\cdot d\vec{S}\equiv 0[/tex]. Why is that? I don't understand?

And in second case with take sphere infinitely long away and have

[tex]lim_{S \rightarrow \infty}\oint(\vec{E}\times\vec{H})\cdot d\vec{S}=lim_{S\rightarrow \infty} [\overline{(\vec{E}\times\vec{H})}_n 4\pi r^2]=0[/tex]

because [tex]\overline{(\vec{E}\times\vec{H})}_n[/tex] goes to zero at least as [tex]\frac{1}{r^4}[/tex].
 
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  • #2
Petar Mali said:
This is for finite area in which bounaries electric and magnetic field are equal to zero, or whole space with a condition that electric and magnetic field goes to zero at least as [tex]\frac{1}{r^2}[/tex] in infinity. [/B]

So electric and magnetic field must be functions of [tex]\frac{1}{r^{2+\epsilon}}[/tex] where [tex]\epsilon \geq 0[/tex]


Why this condition must be satisfied?

If it weren't satisfied, then no matter how far away you got from the source of the fields, you would still feel their effects. This is unphysical, since all charge and current distributions are localized.

In first case of finite area [tex]\oint(\vec{E}\times\vec{H})\cdot d\vec{S}\equiv 0[/tex]. Why is that? I don't understand?

You do understand that when you compute the surface integral of some vector field ( [itex]\textbf{E}\times\textbf{H}[/itex] is this case ), the field is going to have some definite value at every point on the surface, right? In this case, [itex]\textbf{E}[/itex] and [itex]\textbf{H}[/itex] are both zero everywhere on the surface you are integrating over (the boundary of whatever finite region you are interested in), and so you are integrating zero times [itex]d\textbf{S}[/itex] over the surface, which clearly results in zero.
 
  • #3
gabbagabbahey said:
If it weren't satisfied, then no matter how far away you got from the source of the fields, you would still feel their effects. This is unphysical, since all charge and current distributions are localized.



You do understand that when you compute the surface integral of some vector field ( [itex]\textbf{E}\times\textbf{H}[/itex] is this case ), the field is going to have some definite value at every point on the surface, right? In this case, [itex]\textbf{E}[/itex] and [itex]\textbf{H}[/itex] are both zero everywhere on the surface you are integrating over (the boundary of whatever finite region you are interested in), and so you are integrating zero times [itex]d\textbf{S}[/itex] over the surface, which clearly results in zero.


Can you be more specific with bold part?

Right.Why?
 
  • #4
Can anyone explain to me the easy way what is completely field? What is that area? Obviously I have a problem with that!
 
  • #5
Petar Mali said:
This is or finite area in which bounaries electric and magnetic field are equal to zero, or whole space with a condition that electric and magnetic field goes to zero at least as [tex]\frac{1}{r^2}[/tex] in infinity. [/B]

In a finite region, there is no need for the fields to vanish on the boundary. That's exactly the Poynting vector term in your equation: energy variations are due to the flux of the Poynting vector on the boundary (energy that leaves the region) plus energy dissipation inside the region. If the region considered is all space, then yes, the fields must vanish at infinity. But that's always the case for source charge-currents placed in a finite region (and it's not valid, for example, for a uniformly charged wire or plane): you can expand the charge-currents in series of multipoles. The first term, the monopole, causes fields that behave like 1/r^2, the second term, the dipole, has fields like 1/r^3, and so on, so the flux of the fields at large distances in always zero.
 
  • #6
That term is the power flow over the surface of your integrating volume. This has to go to zero at infinity otherwise it implies that the sources are radiating infinite power. The energy of the wavefront must remain constant over the surface that encloses all of the sources. This is due to the fact that the volume is not an active medium. So if we were to spread out this same energy density across an infinite surface then it must become zero for a finite density. A more mathematical relationship can be found via the Sommerfeld radiation condition. It turns out that for the vector wave equation, the fields must go to zero at infinity to ensure a unique solution (an equivalent condition is to introduce an infinitesimal loss to the volume)
 

1. What is a "hard theoretical question"?

A hard theoretical question is a question that requires deep thinking, complex reasoning, and often has no definitive answer. It is a question that challenges our understanding of a particular concept or phenomenon and may have multiple possible explanations or interpretations.

2. Why are hard theoretical questions important in science?

Hard theoretical questions push the boundaries of our knowledge and understanding, and often lead to breakthroughs and advancements in scientific research. They encourage critical thinking and help scientists develop new theories and ideas.

3. Can hard theoretical questions be answered definitively?

No, hard theoretical questions are often open-ended and have no definitive answer. They may have multiple possible explanations, and even if one answer is found, it may be revised or challenged by new evidence or theories.

4. How do scientists approach tackling hard theoretical questions?

Scientists approach hard theoretical questions by conducting extensive research, analyzing data, and collaborating with other experts in the field. They also use critical thinking and creativity to develop new theories and experiments to test their ideas.

5. Can hard theoretical questions be answered through experimentation?

Yes, experimentation is often a key method for answering hard theoretical questions. By designing and conducting experiments, scientists can gather data and evidence to support their theories and potentially uncover new insights and explanations.

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