Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1901176 Reports on Mathematical Physics 2008 11 Pages PDF
Abstract

In this paper we prove in a rigorous mathematical way (using the Clifford bundle formalism) that the energies and momenta of two distinct and arbitrary free Maxwell fields (of finite energies and momenta) that are superposed are additive and thus that there is no incompatibility between the principle of superposition of fields and the principle of energy-momentum conservation, contrary to some recent claims. Our proof depends on a noticeable formula for the energy-momentum densities, namely, Riesz formula ★τa = ½ Fθa, which is valid for any electromagnetic field configuration F, in particular the one satisfying the free Maxwell equation ∂ F= 0.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Mathematics Mathematical Physics