On the Physical Necessity for General Convariance in Electromagnetic Theory.
Abstract
This paper reviews the essentials of the principle of general covariance and emphasizes the points of contrast with the more restricted but more accepted forms of covariance such as Lorentz covariance. It is emphasized that the implementation of general covariance should aim at a maximized functional separation between the formulation of the physical laws and the description of the specific physical system or medium under consideration; uniqueness of the implementation is determined by choosing dependent variables that bring out the functional separation. The invariance group of the law should be a covering group of the symmetry group characterizing the system or medium to which the law is applied. The procedure, which removes existing paradoxes and inconsistencies, is illustrated by examples from electromagnetic theory. A discussion of general principles helps to establish unique procedures for the implementation of general covariance. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0610060
Entities
People
- E. J. Post
Organizations
- Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories