Maxwell Lagrangian at weak fields

In summary, the author discusses an equation involving the constants of integration in a paper on theoretical physics. The author states that for the equation to align with traditional principles, the constant must equal zero. This is because the "weak fields" mentioned refer to a scenario where there are no fields present, making all other terms in the equation equal to zero. Therefore, the constant must also be zero in order for the equation to hold true.
  • #1
PhyAmateur
105
2
In http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/9506035 the author said after writing this equation:

$$\frac{1}{4}\eta^{\mu\nu\lambda\rho} F_{\mu\nu}F_{\lambda\rho} = \eta_{\sigma\tau\alpha\beta}\frac{\partial L}{\partial F_{\sigma\tau}} \frac{\partial L}{\partial F_{\alpha\beta} } + 2C$$

where C was arbitrary constant of integration." In fact, if L is to agree with the usual Maxwell Lagrangian at weak fields the constant must vanish". Why? I mean why should the constant vanish. It seems that I don't understand what he meant by Maxwell Lagrangian at "weak fields".
 
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  • #2
Imagine the case of no field at all. Everything apart from the constant is zero, so the constant has to be zero as well.
 

Related to Maxwell Lagrangian at weak fields

What is the Maxwell Lagrangian at weak fields?

The Maxwell Lagrangian at weak fields is a mathematical expression that describes the dynamics of electromagnetic fields in the presence of weak electric and magnetic fields. It is a fundamental equation in the study of electrodynamics and is derived from Maxwell's equations.

How is the Maxwell Lagrangian at weak fields different from the full Maxwell Lagrangian?

The full Maxwell Lagrangian includes terms for strong electric and magnetic fields, while the Maxwell Lagrangian at weak fields only considers the effects of weak fields. This allows for a simpler and more manageable expression that is still accurate in most practical applications.

What does the Maxwell Lagrangian at weak fields tell us about electromagnetic waves?

The Maxwell Lagrangian at weak fields shows that electromagnetic waves propagate through space at the speed of light. It also describes the behavior of these waves in terms of their electric and magnetic fields, and how these fields interact with charged particles.

How does the Maxwell Lagrangian at weak fields relate to quantum mechanics?

The Maxwell Lagrangian at weak fields is a classical equation that describes the macroscopic behavior of electromagnetic fields. In the framework of quantum mechanics, it is modified to incorporate the discrete nature of particles and their interactions with electromagnetic fields. This leads to the quantum theory of electrodynamics, known as quantum electrodynamics (QED).

What are some practical applications of the Maxwell Lagrangian at weak fields?

The Maxwell Lagrangian at weak fields is used in various fields such as telecommunications, electronics, and optics. It is also a key component in the development of technologies such as radar, satellite communication, and medical imaging. Additionally, it has been instrumental in the understanding of fundamental physical phenomena such as light-matter interactions and the behavior of particles in electromagnetic fields.

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