Four Poynting theorems

作者:Kinsler Paul*; Favaro Alberto; McCall Martin W
来源:European Journal of Physics, 2009, 30(5): 983-993.
DOI:10.1088/0143-0807/30/5/007

摘要

The Poynting vector is an invaluable tool for analysing electromagnetic problems. However, even a rigorous stress-energy tensor approach can still leave us with the question: is it best defined as E x H or as D x B? Typical electromagnetic treatments provide yet another perspective: they regard E x B as the appropriate definition, because E and B are taken to be the fundamental electromagnetic fields. The astute reader will even notice the fourth possible combination of fields, i.e. D x H. Faced with this diverse selection, we have decided to treat each possible flux vector on its merits, deriving its associated energy continuity equation but applying minimal restrictions to the allowed host media. We then discuss each form, and how it represents the response of the medium. Finally, we derive a propagation equation for each flux vector using a directional fields approach, a useful result which enables further interpretation of each flux and its interaction with the medium.

  • 出版日期2009-9