The conceptual origins of Maxwell’s equations and gauge theory

2014/11/01 by Chen Ning Yang · 2 citations
Mathematics · Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics #Classical mechanics #Electromagnetic field #Faraday cage #Gauge (firearms) #Gauge anomaly #Gauge boson #Gauge fixing #Gauge symmetry #Gauge theory #Hamiltonian lattice gauge theory #Inhomogeneous electromagnetic wave equation #Introduction to gauge theory #Lorenz gauge condition #Magnetic field #Mathematical descriptions of the electromagnetic field #Mathematical physics #Mathematics #Maxwell relations #Maxwell's equations #Mechanical and Optical Resonators #Physics #Quantum Mechanics and Applications #Quantum mechanics #Symmetry (geometry) #Theoretical physics

paper · doi:10.1063/pt.3.2585

openalex publication_date 2014/11/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21

Abstract

Already in Faraday’s electrotonic state and Maxwell’s vector potential, gauge freedom was an unavoidable presence. Converting that presence to the symmetry principle that underpins our successful standard model is a story worth telling.

Citations

• Fermi's Theory of Beta Decay
• Albert Einstein—Philosopher-Scientist

Cited by

• On the physics of the minimal length: The question of gauge invariance
• Magnetic vector potential [wikipedia]

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