Poynting Theorem: What Does it Physically Mean?

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Thread starter Zubair Ahmad
Start date May 17, 2018
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In summary, the Poynting Theorem is a fundamental concept in electromagnetism that describes the relationship between electric and magnetic fields and the flow of energy through space. It physically means that the energy transported by electromagnetic waves is proportional to the product of the electric field and the magnetic field, and is directed perpendicular to both fields. It is derived from Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force law. The Poynting Theorem has various applications, including understanding energy transfer in electrical circuits and predicting the effects of electromagnetic radiation on matter. It is closely related to the law of conservation of energy, as it describes the transfer of energy through electromagnetic fields.

May 17, 2018

Zubair Ahmad

What exactly does the statement of poynting theorem mean physically?

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May 18, 2018

Lord Jestocost

Gold Member

See: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/question-on-poynting-theorem.502074/#post-3324904

1. What is the Poynting Theorem?

The Poynting Theorem is a fundamental concept in electromagnetism that describes the relationship between electric and magnetic fields and the flow of energy through space.

2. What does the Poynting Theorem physically mean?

The Poynting Theorem physically means that the energy transported by electromagnetic waves is proportional to the product of the electric field and the magnetic field, and is directed perpendicular to both fields.

3. How is the Poynting Theorem derived?

The Poynting Theorem is derived from Maxwell's equations, which are a set of four equations that describe the behavior of electric and magnetic fields. It can also be derived from the Lorentz force law.

4. What are the applications of the Poynting Theorem?

The Poynting Theorem has many practical applications, including understanding how energy is transferred in electrical circuits, analyzing the behavior of electromagnetic waves, and predicting the effects of electromagnetic radiation on matter.

5. How does the Poynting Theorem relate to the conservation of energy?

The Poynting Theorem is closely related to the law of conservation of energy, as it describes the transfer of energy through electromagnetic fields. It states that the total energy in a closed system remains constant, and energy can be neither created nor destroyed, only transformed.