Question about Lagrangian in electromagnetic interaction

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differences between the Lagrangian formulations in classical electromagnetism and quantum field theory (QFT). The first equation, S = L dt = e(φ – A v), represents the action in classical electromagnetism, while the second equation, S = L d^4x = A J d^4x, describes the action in QFT. The confusion arises from the presence of the Lorentz factor γ in the QFT formulation, which accounts for relativistic effects. The resolution lies in understanding that the 4-current J^α incorporates the factor of γ, which cancels out when relating charge density to the 4-velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical electromagnetism and Lagrangian mechanics
  • Familiarity with quantum field theory (QFT) concepts
  • Knowledge of 4-vectors and Lorentz transformations
  • Basic grasp of relativistic dynamics and the concept of the Lorentz factor (γ)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Lagrangian in classical electromagnetism
  • Learn about the formulation of the 4-current in quantum field theory
  • Explore the implications of Lorentz invariance in electromagnetic interactions
  • Investigate the role of the Lorentz factor in relativistic physics
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Physicists, graduate students in theoretical physics, and anyone studying the interplay between classical electromagnetism and quantum field theory.

mings6
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Sorry for a naive question.

In EM textbook and QM path integral textbook, the action and Lagrangian in electromagnetic interaction are

S = L dt = e(\phi – A v) dt ---equ.(1)

But in QFT textbook, the action and Lagrangian density are

S = L d^4x = A J d^4x ---equ.(2)

As I understand, in equ.(2), J = \rho U = \rho \gamma V
In which \rho is density, U is the 4-velocity=dx/d\tau, and V is the common velocity=dx/dt, \gamma is \sqrt (1-v^2/c^2).

So equ.(2) will have a factor of \gamma, but equ.(1) does not have.

So where is my mistake?
 
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mings6 said:
Sorry for a naive question.

In EM textbook and QM path integral textbook, the action and Lagrangian in electromagnetic interaction are

S = L dt = e(\phi – A v) dt ---equ.(1)

But in QFT textbook, the action and Lagrangian density are

S = L d^4x = A J d^4x ---equ.(2)

As I understand, in equ.(2), J = \rho U = \rho \gamma V
In which \rho is density, U is the 4-velocity=dx/d\tau, and V is the common velocity=dx/dt, \gamma is \sqrt (1-v^2/c^2).

So equ.(2) will have a factor of \gamma, but equ.(1) does not have.

So where is my mistake?
The 4-current is [itex]J^\alpha = \rho_0 u^\alpha[/itex], where [itex]\rho_0[/itex] is related to the charge density by [itex]\rho_0 = \rho/\gamma[/itex] and [itex]u^\alpha[/itex] is the 4-velocity, [itex]u^\alpha = \gamma(c,{\bf v})[/itex]. You'll find that the [itex]\gamma[/itex]'s cancel.
 

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