Why is electromagnetism defined as a non-integrable phase factor?

[lennyleonard]

Hi everyone!

I can't figure out why electromagnetism is defined a non integrable phase factor (or path dependent), referring to the element of the Lie group U1 to which it (the phase factor) belongs.

Why it's said to be non-integrable? And, precisely, how do we specify a path for the $e^{\theta}$ ?
By parametrizing a path with respect to $\theta$?Thanks!

 

[phinds]

double posts are against the rules here. I suggest you delete one of them lest you annoy the mods.

 

[lennyleonard]

You are absolutely right Phinds!
The truth is I've posted this in the algebra section but then i realized that this was the best section to post in.

If tou tell me how to delete a post i'll be glad to do that.

Sorry for the issue!

 

[phinds]

You are absolutely right Phinds!
The truth is I've posted this in the algebra section but then i realized that this was the best section to post in.

If tou tell me how to delete a post i'll be glad to do that.

Sorry for the issue!

Hm ... I thought there was a way, but I can't find it. You can always ask a mod to delete one for you I guess.