Why maxwell's 3rd equations has no coefficient?

  • Thread starter lowerlowerhk
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Coefficient
In summary, the four Maxwell equations have different units for electric and magnetic fields, with only the third equation having a proportionality coefficient of -1. This is due to the choice of units in Gaussian units, where the speed of light appears in the equation. The other three equations have dimensional constants introduced because they use different units for electric and magnetic fields, which is a historical convention. This highlights the need for a unified unit system in physics.
  • #1
lowerlowerhk
27
0
For the four Maxwell equations, only the third one (Faraday's Law) has a proportionality coefficient of -1, while rest have a magnetic constant or electric constant .

It doesn't seem like the units of the third law are calibrated to eliminate the constant. So why is the coefficient equal to exactly -1, not some materially dependent coefficient k?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
  • Like
Likes Dale
  • #3
I second jasonRFs comment. It is purely due to the units chosen.
 
  • #4
The real question is, why do the other 3 equations have dimensional constants introduced. That is because they use different units for E and B, even though they are parts of the same tensor.
 
  • #5
Meir Achuz said:
The real question is, why do the other 3 equations have dimensional constants introduced. That is because they use different units for E and B, even though they are parts of the same tensor.

But this is historical - like measuring distances and times in different units. Time should be measured in meters.
 
  • #6
Meir Achuz said:
The real question is, why do the other 3 equations have dimensional constants introduced. That is because they use different units for E and B, even though they are parts of the same tensor.

This is the answer I am looking for.
 

Related to Why maxwell's 3rd equations has no coefficient?

1. Why do Maxwell's 3rd equations have no coefficient?

The absence of a coefficient in Maxwell's 3rd equation, also known as Gauss' law, is due to the fact that it represents a fundamental physical law that describes the behavior of electric fields. Coefficients are typically used in equations to account for various physical properties or conditions, but in this case, the absence of a coefficient indicates that the electric field is solely dependent on the enclosed charge and the permittivity of free space.

2. Does the lack of a coefficient in Maxwell's 3rd equation affect its validity?

No, the absence of a coefficient in Maxwell's 3rd equation does not affect its validity. The equation has been extensively tested and proven to accurately represent the behavior of electric fields under various conditions. The lack of a coefficient does not diminish the importance or accuracy of this fundamental physical law.

3. Are there any practical implications of Maxwell's 3rd equation having no coefficient?

Yes, the absence of a coefficient in Maxwell's 3rd equation has practical implications in various fields such as electrical engineering and telecommunications. It allows for the calculation and manipulation of electric fields without the need for complex coefficients, making calculations and experiments more straightforward and accurate.

4. Can Maxwell's 3rd equation be modified to include a coefficient?

Technically, yes, Maxwell's 3rd equation can be modified to include a coefficient. However, this would fundamentally change the equation and its meaning. The absence of a coefficient is integral to the equation and its representation of Gauss' law, and adding a coefficient would alter the fundamental principles it represents.

5. Are there any other laws or equations in physics that have no coefficient?

Yes, there are other laws and equations in physics that have no coefficient, such as the laws of thermodynamics or Coulomb's law. In general, fundamental physical laws do not require coefficients because they represent universal principles and relationships between physical quantities. However, in more complex equations or models, coefficients may be necessary to account for specific conditions or properties.

Similar threads

I Why are Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force "so different"
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
1K
An Interesting Question on Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
11
Views
2K
Maxwell's Law of Induction - How Does it Work?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
3K
Who contributed to Maxwell's Equations and how?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
817
I How Do Eddy Current Dampers Work in Space Applications?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
507
Do Maxwell's equations in integral form imply action at a distance?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
5
Views
1K
Maxwell's Equations, Dielectrics, Auxiliary Fields D and H
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
16
Views
1K
Identities of fields in Maxwell's equations
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
1K
Maxwell's equation in microscopic formulation and speed of EM-waves
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
3
Views
869
Still water droplet evaporation rate (help using Maxwell's formula please)
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top