2 ms·
This is a pretty standard treatment. What remains unclear is whether E is what the free charges generate (and what brings the mysterious D into existence), or i
by Koshkin 6y ago
This is a pretty standard treatment. What remains unclear is whether E is what the free charges generate (and what brings the mysterious D into existence), or it is what acts on the probe charge (which is calculated from D).
- cygx 6y agoE is generated by all charges: div(E) = ρ = ρ_f + ρ_b D is generated by the free charges only: div(D) = ρ_f The quantity that makes an appearance in the Lorentz force law (hence acts on test charges) is E. Admittedly, things get muddled because the distinction E vs D does double duty: We also associate E with (specific) forces, and D with fluxes. Depending on your system of units, this necessitates the introduction of a conversion factor.