Gauge Invariance in Classical Electrodynamics
Classical Physics
2007-05-23 v1
Abstract
The concept of gauge invariance in classical electrodynamics assumes tacitly that Maxwell's equations have unique solutions. By calculating the electromagnetic field of a moving particle both in Lorenz and in Coulomb gauge and directly from the field equations we obtain, however, contradicting solutions. We conclude that the tacit assumption of uniqueness is not justified. The reason for this failure is traced back to the inhomogeneous wave equations which connect the propagating fields and their sources at the same time.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.physics/0510070,
title = {Gauge Invariance in Classical Electrodynamics},
author = {Wolfgang Engelhardt},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0510070},
year = {2007}
}
Comments
22 pages, to be published in "Annales de la Fondation Louis de Broglie" volume 30-2