A REASONABLE STORY OF ELECTRODYNAMICS
Author: Nicolae Mazilu
Published on Wednesday, January 9th, 2008 in category ProtoQuant
ABSTRACT: The exterior differential approach to Electrodynamics has a tremendous impact in the presentation of this physical science, reflected mostly in the simplification of its axiomatic basis, according to the set of experiments we choose to take as fundamental. We find this approach particularly attractive not only in itself, but also by the fact that it brings a specific relief in a host of murky problems regarding the relationship of Electrodynamics with other recognized branches of Physics. These include Special Relativity, Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity. Here we only discuss a few consequences of the exterior differential approach to Classical Electrodynamics. Particular emphasis is placed on the Aharonov-Bohm effect, showing that, while wave-mechanical in nature, it is requested by classical topological considerations, thus deserving the name ‘effect’.