Working with Electric Field E, not Vector Potential A

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of electric field E in contrast to vector potential A within the framework of Maxwell's Equations. It clarifies that while E and B can be expressed in terms of potentials, the standard representation of Maxwell's Equations is in terms of the fields E and B. The equations governing these relationships include divergence and curl operations that relate electric fields to charge density and current density. Understanding these equations is crucial for working with electromagnetic fields effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with Maxwell's Equations
  • Understanding of electric fields (E) and magnetic fields (B)
  • Knowledge of vector calculus operations (divergence and curl)
  • Basic concepts of electromagnetic theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Maxwell's Equations in terms of electric and magnetic fields
  • Explore the relationship between electric field E and vector potential A
  • Learn about the implications of the curl and divergence in electromagnetic theory
  • Investigate practical applications of Maxwell's Equations in physics and engineering
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and researchers in electromagnetic theory will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focusing on the practical applications of electric fields and Maxwell's Equations.

WeiJie
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We commonly have E and B defined as:
e99910141286a0c46ef245c0ffb0a07d0a830817

06e479269ae003ed92c057eecdcf35f2b060cf70


But how can I work in electric field E, instead of vector potential A?
 
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I am sorry, but it is unclear what you are asking. Can you be more specific?
 
WeiJie said:
We commonly have E and B defined as:
e99910141286a0c46ef245c0ffb0a07d0a830817

06e479269ae003ed92c057eecdcf35f2b060cf70


But how can I work in electric field E, instead of vector potential A?

That's not Maxwell's Equations. That is the relationship between the potentials and ##\mathbf E## and ##\mathbf B##.

Maxwell's Equations are commonly written in terms of ##\mathbf E## and ##\mathbf B##:
$$\nabla \cdot \mathbf E = \frac \rho {\varepsilon_0} \\
\nabla \cdot \mathbf B = 0 \\
\nabla \times \mathbf E = - \frac {\partial \mathbf B} {\partial t} \\
\nabla \times \mathbf B = \mu_0 \mathbf J + \mu_0 \varepsilon_0 \frac {\partial \mathbf E} {\partial t}$$

Those can of course be rewritten in terms of the potentials by substitution. But the usual thing you find when you search for "Maxwell's Equations" is in terms of the fields.
 
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