Revisiting quaternion dual electrodynamics (Q1008258): Difference between revisions

Homogeneous Maxwell equations in a vacuum admit two sets of electromagnetic potentials. One corresponds to the classical scalar and vector potentials, which, supplemented by the Lorenz-Lorentz (L-L) gauge conditions, satisfy uncoupled wave equations. These equations are inhomogeneous in the presence of electric charge and current densities. The second set of electromagnetic potentials, which are rarely used in electrodynamics, also satisfy homogeneous wave equations, if suitable (L-L)-like gauge conditions are imposed. Magnetic charge and current densities, which are extraneous to the classical electromagnetism, can be possibly introduced as alternate sources for the electromagnetic fields. These fields are then governed by Maxwell-like equations and describe a `dual' electromagnetism, which is ruled by the introduced magnetic charges (monopoles) in the absence of electric charges and currents. A continuity equation for these magnetic charges follows straightforwardly from the `dual' Maxwell-like equations. It is worth noting that these equations reduce to the classical ones in the absence of all kinds of charge and current densities. In this framework of `dual' electrodynamics that is based on the sole presence of magnetic charges and currents, the second set of potentials naturally addresses inhomogeneous wave equations. In addition, a momentum equation for a pointwise magnetically charged particle can be also established by properly introducing a `dual' Lorentz-like force. A duality transformation, which preserves the invariance of the homogeneous Maxwell equations and converts the classical into the `dual' Maxwell inhomogeneous equations, is preliminarily pointed out and discussed in the paper. In this context, a unified and compact description for an extended electrodynamics, which includes both, electric and magnetic charges, is envisaged through a quaternionic reformulation of all the fields of interest. This view is thoroughly expounded by the authors.