Electromagnetic force and torque derived from a Lagrangian in conjunction with the Maxwell-Lorentz equations
Optics
2021-08-09 v1 Classical Physics
Abstract
Electromagnetic force and torque are typically derived from a stress tensor in conjunction with Maxwell's equations of classical electrodynamics. In some instances, the Principle of Least Action (built around a Lagrangian) can be used to arrive at the same mathematical expressions of force and torque as those derived from a stress tensor. This paper describes some of the underlying arguments for the existence of a Lagrangian in the case of certain simple physical systems. While some formulations of electromagnetic force and torque admit a Lagrangian, there are other formulations for which a Lagrangian may not exist.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2108.02896,
title = {Electromagnetic force and torque derived from a Lagrangian in conjunction with the Maxwell-Lorentz equations},
author = {Masud Mansuripur},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2108.02896},
year = {2021}
}
Comments
16 pages, 27 equations, 1 figure, 33 references, 6 appendices