Picture of electro-magnetic vector potential in 1+1 dimension spacetime?

In summary: Your Name]In summary, the conversation discussed a proposed model for the electro-magnetic vector potential in 1+1 dimension spacetime, involving an elastic string constrained to move on the surface of a cylinder and interacting with charge densities to create forces in the θ direction. While the idea is interesting, further exploration and comparison with existing theories and data is recommended.
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Spinnor
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"Picture" of electro-magnetic vector potential in 1+1 dimension spacetime?

I'm trying to model the electro-magnetic vector potential, does the following come close for 1 + 1 dimension spacetime? See sketches below.

Consider an elastic string, under tension, between two fixed points A and B that lie on the z axis. Let the distance between points A and B be large. Let the motion of the string in the x and y directions be given by ψ_x(z,t) and ψ_y(z,t). The string is such that both ψ_x(z,t) and ψ_y(z,t) satisfy the wave equation ψ(z,t),tt = c^2ψ(z,t),zz.

Now confine the motion of the string so that it moves freely on the surface of a cylinder of radius r, see below. Now let the position of the string be given by θ(z,t), with θ(A,t) and θ(B,t) = 0, and let θ(z,t) = 0 when the string is at rest. Define an orientation on the cylinder so we know which direction positive θ is.

Now let charge density ρ(z,t) interact with the constrained string above in the following way, where ever we have positive (negative) charge density there is a perpendicular force on the string in the positive (negative) θ direction. The magnitude of the force in the θ direction on a segment of the string from z to z + dz is proportional to the charge density at z times dz. See below.

The 1 + 1 dimensional vector potential A_0 will go like θ. the electric field will go like θ,z and A_z will go like θ times the velocity of the charge?

Let there be two separated and localized charge densities, positive and negative, that act on the string in the manner above, see below.

I think the 3 + 1 dimensional version of the above follows in a straight forward way.

Thanks for any help or suggestions!
 

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Thank you for sharing your proposed model for the electro-magnetic vector potential in 1+1 dimension spacetime. Your description and sketches are very helpful in understanding your idea.

From what I can gather, your model involves an elastic string constrained to move on the surface of a cylinder, with charge densities interacting with the string to create forces in the θ direction. This results in a 1+1 dimensional vector potential, A_0, that varies with θ and an electric field that varies with θ,z. It seems like you have also considered the 3+1 dimensional version of this model.

While your idea is certainly interesting, I would suggest further exploring the mathematical and physical implications of this model before concluding that it accurately represents the electro-magnetic vector potential in 1+1 dimension spacetime. Additionally, it would be beneficial to compare your model with existing theories and experimental data to see if it aligns with our current understanding of electro-magnetic fields.

Overall, your proposed model is a good starting point for further exploration and I encourage you to continue developing and refining it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I wish you the best of luck in your research.
 

FAQ: Picture of electro-magnetic vector potential in 1+1 dimension spacetime?

1. What is electro-magnetic vector potential?

The electro-magnetic vector potential, also known as the A-potential, is a vector field used to describe the electromagnetic field in classical electromagnetism. It is defined as the negative gradient of the electro-magnetic scalar potential.

2. What is the significance of studying the electro-magnetic vector potential?

The electro-magnetic vector potential is an important concept in understanding the behavior of electromagnetic fields. It helps to explain phenomena such as electromagnetic induction, the propagation of electromagnetic waves, and the behavior of charged particles in electromagnetic fields.

3. How is the electro-magnetic vector potential represented in 1+1 dimension spacetime?

In 1+1 dimension spacetime, the electro-magnetic vector potential is represented as a two-component vector, with one component representing the electric potential and the other representing the magnetic potential. This representation is known as the Lorenz gauge.

4. What is the relationship between the electro-magnetic vector potential and the electro-magnetic field?

The electro-magnetic vector potential is related to the electro-magnetic field through the Maxwell's equations. The curl of the vector potential gives the electric field, while the time derivative of the vector potential gives the magnetic field.

5. Can the electro-magnetic vector potential be observed or measured?

No, the electro-magnetic vector potential is a mathematical construct and cannot be observed or measured directly. However, its effects can be observed through the behavior of the electromagnetic field and its interaction with charged particles.

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