Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force law are developed by applying the transformations of special relativity to Gauss's law on the flux of the electric field, ∫E · dS = 4πqenclosed⁠, provided that electromagnetic signals are propagated with the speed of light, and that the electric force on a test charge is velocity-independent and does not depend on time derivatives of the source position of order higher than the acceleration.

Topics
Electrostatics, Fundamental constants, Maxwell equations, Special relativity, Educational assessment
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© 1956 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1956
American Association of Physics Teachers
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