Undergrad Understanding Lorenz Gauge Derivation

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SUMMARY

The Lorenz Gauge is derived through a transformation of the vector potential \(\vec{A}\) and scalar potential \(V\) using the equations \(A' = A + \nabla \lambda\) and \(V' = V - \frac{\partial \lambda}{\partial t}\). This transformation maintains the invariance of the electric field \(E\) and magnetic field \(B\). To satisfy the Lorenz gauge condition, \(div(\vec{A}') + \frac{1}{c^{2}} \frac{\partial V'}{\partial t} = 0\), one must solve for \(\lambda\) such that \(\Box \lambda = -\frac{1}{c^{2}} \frac{\partial V'}{\partial t}\), where \(\Box\) is the wave operator. This derivation is crucial for understanding gauge invariance in electromagnetism as presented in Griffiths' textbook.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maxwell's equations
  • Familiarity with vector calculus and divergence operations
  • Knowledge of gauge transformations in electromagnetism
  • Proficiency in the wave equation and its operator \(\Box\)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Coulomb gauge and its implications
  • Explore the mathematical properties of the wave operator \(\Box\)
  • Learn about gauge invariance and its applications in theoretical physics
  • Investigate the role of potentials in electromagnetic theory
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying electromagnetism, theoretical physicists, and educators looking to deepen their understanding of gauge theories and their mathematical foundations.

Silviu
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Can someone explain to me (or point me towards a source) how is the Lorenz Gauge derived? I am reading the Griffiths book and from what I understand we can do the transformation ##A' = A + \nabla \lambda## and at the same time ##V' = V - \frac{\partial \lambda}{\partial t}## and B and E remain unchanged. This is pretty obvious for the Coulomb gauge (in finding ##\lambda## to satisfy the condition). But for the Lorenz gauge if you try to find ##\lambda## from the first equation, it will be a function of V and when you plug it in ##V' = V - \frac{\partial \lambda}{\partial t}##, V' will be different from V so the V you used in ##\nabla A = -\mu_0 \epsilon_0 \frac{\partial V}{\partial t}## is not anymore the same? So how do you prove it?
 
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Suppose ##\vec{A}## and ##V## are the potentials in the Coulomb gauge, and that you have already solved them from the relevant form of Maxwell's equations. Now, you want to prove that you can choose a value of ##\lambda## in the gauge transformation formulas you gave such that the resulting ##\vec{A}'## and ##V'## satisfy the Lorenz gauge condition: ##div(\vec{A}') + \frac{1}{c^{2}} \frac{\partial V'}{\partial t} = 0##. If you substitute in the gauge transformation formulas and the Coulomb gauge condition, ##div(\vec{A}) = 0##, then you will find ##\Box \lambda = -\frac{1}{c^{2}} \frac{\partial V'}{\partial t}## if my algebra isn't messed up, where the ##\Box## is the wave equation operator.
 
I do not have a good working knowledge of physics yet. I tried to piece this together but after researching this, I couldn’t figure out the correct laws of physics to combine to develop a formula to answer this question. Ex. 1 - A moving object impacts a static object at a constant velocity. Ex. 2 - A moving object impacts a static object at the same velocity but is accelerating at the moment of impact. Assuming the mass of the objects is the same and the velocity at the moment of impact...

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