Electromagnetic potentials
Scalar and vector potentials encode electric and magnetic fields.
Key knowledge
Locally, classical fields can be represented by B = ∇×A and E = −∇φ − ∂A/∂t. Compatible changes of the potentials can leave both fields unchanged.
Values and equations
B = ∇×A; E = −∇φ − ∂A/∂t
- B
- Magnetic flux density T
- E
- Electric field V m⁻¹
- A
- Vector potential T m
- φ
- Scalar potential V
- t
- Time s
- ∇
- Spatial derivative m⁻¹
Conditions and scope
- Smooth fields and potentials in a contractible region; global topology may require patches.
- Potentials are not unique; a gauge choice and boundary data further specify a representation.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Chapter 12.1, equations 1–3 and adjacent gauge-freedom passage.
2026-10-10 · Local potential representation only; no global uniqueness or material constitutive claim.
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- physics-electromagnetic-potentials
- Revision
- university-reference.1
- Structured reference record
- University reference · University core expansion