2006/11/15 by E. Comay, Comay, E.
Decision Sciences · Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies #FOS: Physical sciences #General Physics (physics.gen-ph) #Geophysics and Sensor Technology #Scientific Measurement and Uncertainty Evaluation
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.physics/0611148
openalex publication_date 2006/11/15 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
The structure of classical electrodynamics based on the variational principle together with causality and space-time homogeneity is analyzed. It is proved that in this case the 4-potentials are defined uniquely. On the other hand, the approach where Maxwell equations and the Lorentz law of force are regarded as cornerstones of the theory allows gauge transformations. For this reason, the two theories are \em not equivalent. A simple example substantiates this conclusion. Quantum physics is linked to the variational principle and it is proved that the same result holds for it. The compatibility of this result with the gauge invariance of the Lagrangian density is explained.