On the Description of Electromagnetic Fields in Slow Moving Media

by Open Science Repository Physics
(September 2013)

Abstract

At present, to describe electromagnetic fields in moving media Minkowski equations obtained on the basis of theory of relativity are used. But important electromagnetic processes run under non relativistic conditions of slow moving media. Therefore, one should carry out its description in terms of classical mechanics. Analysis of Minkowski equations, presented in the paper, revealed a discrepancy between a physical model, which is the base of the equations, and known classical mechanics information: Faraday’s experimental findings and Maxwell theory. As a result, Minkowski equations are not an optimal instrument to carry out analysis of electromagnetic processes under non relativistic conditions of slow moving media. The paper proposes a way of description of electromagnetic fields in slow moving media on the basis of Maxwell theory within the frame of classical mechanics. Received Galilean invariant Maxwell equations lack asymmetry in the description of the reciprocal electrodynamic action of a magnet and a conductor and conform to known experimental data.

Keywords: electromagnetic fields, Maxwell's and Minkowski equations, slowly moving media.

Full text

On the Description of Electromagnetic Fields in Slow Moving Media