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

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter lennyleonard
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Path
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the characterization of electromagnetism as a non-integrable phase factor, specifically within the context of the Lie group U1. Participants are exploring the implications of this definition, including the nature of path dependence and the specification of paths for the phase factor represented by e^{\theta}.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why electromagnetism is defined as a non-integrable phase factor and seeks clarification on the concept of path dependence.
  • The same participant asks how to specify a path for e^{\theta}, suggesting the possibility of parametrizing a path with respect to θ.
  • Another participant addresses a procedural issue regarding double posting and suggests deleting one of the posts to comply with forum rules.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not appear to have a consensus, as it primarily consists of questions and procedural comments rather than settled viewpoints on the topic of electromagnetism as a non-integrable phase factor.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions underlying the definition of non-integrable phase factors and the specifics of path parametrization, which remain unresolved.

lennyleonard
Messages
21
Reaction score
0
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 [itex]e^{\theta}[/itex] ?
By parametrizing a path with respect to [itex]\theta[/itex]?Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
double posts are against the rules here. I suggest you delete one of them lest you annoy the mods.
 
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!
 
lennyleonard said:
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.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Order parameter, symmetry breaking Landau style
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Graduate Path dependent function with a defined path
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Explicit construction of Galilean-invariant space
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Recover Hamilton equation from 2-form defined on phase space
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Defining exchange statistics of anyons in terms of Berry phase
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Interpreting path integral averages as measure integrals
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Graduate Voltage and current waves in a transmission line
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate Orthogonality of variations in Faddev-Popov method for path integral
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Unitary representations of Lie group from Lie algebra
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Graduate Non-differentiable path in path integral?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K