Positive source for electromagnetic energy

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the conservation of electromagnetic energy, particularly the continuity equation and the term -J·E, which typically represents energy dissipation. A key point raised is the possibility of this term becoming positive, indicating energy addition to the electromagnetic field. An example provided is a fast-moving charged particle being decelerated by an electric field, where the particle's loss of kinetic energy results in energy gain for the electromagnetic field. The conversation also touches on the need to express the current density J and electric field E in this scenario. Overall, the exchange highlights the nuances of energy transfer in electromagnetic systems.
ShayanJ
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We know that the conservation of electromagnetic energy is expressed via the continuity equation below:
<br /> \large{\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}}+\vec{\nabla}\cdot\vec{S}=-\vec{J}\cdot\vec{E}<br />
with u=\frac{1}{2}(\vec{E}\cdot\vec{D}+\vec{B}\cdot\vec{H}) and \vec{S}=\vec{E}\times\vec{H}.
It is obvious that the term -\vec{J}\cdot\vec{E} is a source for electromagnetic energy and we know that its usually negative and electromagnetic energy is dissipated(through joule heating).
My question is,is there a physical situation in which -\vec{J}\cdot\vec{E} becomes positive and,somehow,energy is added to the field?
Thanks
 
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Sure. Consider a fast-moving charged particle being slowed by an electric field. The charged particle loses kinetic energy and the electromagnetic field gains energy. Often we think of the particle as gaining electric potential energy, but really this potential energy is the energy of the electric field.
 
Oohh...of course!
You know...I was just looking for a special combination of current density and electric field and didn't remember this really trivial case!
But...how would you write \vec{J} \cdot \vec{E} for this case?
Thanks
 
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