We investigate here the question raised in the literature about the correct expression for the electromagnetic field momentum, especially when static or stationary fields are involved. For this, we examine a couple of simple but intriguing cases. First, we consider a system configuration in which electromagnetic field momentum is present even though the system is stationary. We trace the electromagnetic momentum to be present in the form of a continuous transport of electromagnetic energy from one part of the system to another, without causing any net change in the energy of the system. In a second case, we show that the electromagnetic momentum is zero irrespective of whether the charged system is static or in motion, even though the electromagnetic energy is present throughout. We demonstrate that the conventional formulation of electromagnetic field momentum describes the systems consistently without any real contradictions. Here, we also make exposition of a curiosity where electromagnetic energy decreases when the charged system gains velocity. Then we discuss the more general question that has been raised: Are the conventional formulas for energy-momentum of electromagnetic fields valid for all cases? Specifically, in the case of so-called “bound fields,” do we need to change to some modified definitions? We show that in all cases it is only the conventional formulas that lead to results consistent with the rest of physics, including the special theory of relativity, and that any proposed modifications are thus superfluous.
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October 2016
PAPERS|
October 01 2016
Do the standard expressions for the electromagnetic field momentum need any modifications?
Ashok K. Singal
Ashok K. Singal
a)
Astronomy and Astrophysics Division,
Physical Research Laboratory
, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad 380 009, India
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a)
Electronic mail: asingal@prl.res.in
Am. J. Phys. 84, 780–785 (2016)
Article history
Received:
January 26 2016
Accepted:
July 01 2016
Citation
Ashok K. Singal; Do the standard expressions for the electromagnetic field momentum need any modifications?. Am. J. Phys. 1 October 2016; 84 (10): 780–785. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.4958933
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