English

On the interaction between a current density and a vector potential: Amp\`{e}re force, Helmholtz tension and Larmor torque

Classical Physics 2007-05-23 v4 History and Philosophy of Physics

Abstract

Several mathematical formulae are used nowadays in order to compute a magnetic torque. We demonstrate that its more general expression is the vectorial product of the current density with the vector potential. We associate this Larmor's torque with Amp\`{e}re's force and more specifically with Helmholtz mechanical tension, which is at the origin of the longitudinal stresses in "open" circuits carrying current. We show that Amp\`{e}re's force enters into the realm of Newtonian Electrodynamics and we explain the absence of contradiction with special relativity. Hence, we provide for the first time a theoretical basis for the numerous experiments, which claimed to have demonstrated the existence of the longitudinal mechanical tension starting with the historical Amp\`{e}re's hairpin demonstration and the more modern ones of the Graneaus and of Saumont.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.physics/0503108,
  title  = {On the interaction between a current density and a vector potential: Amp\`{e}re force, Helmholtz tension and Larmor torque},
  author = {Germain Rousseaux},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0503108},
  year   = {2007}
}
R2 v1 2026-07-22T19:03:09.710Z