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General solution of second Maxwell equation

Physics Asked on January 27, 2021

The second Maxwell equation can be written as $$partial_{[gamma}F_{munu]}=0$$
We know $F_{munu}=partial_mu A_nu-partial_nu A_mu $ satisfies above equation. My question: is this the only solution of the equation or there can be more solution as well but they’re rejected in electrodynamics maybe on physical grounds?

One Answer

Written in the language of differential-forms, the equation reads $dF=0$ ("$F$ is a closed form"). You're asking if that implies that $F= dA$ for some $A$ ("$F$ is exact"). This is always true locally, but not necessarily globally, and depends on the topology of the spacetime manifold. The subject exploring the difference between the two is called Cohomology theory.

see:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_descriptions_of_the_electromagnetic_field#Differential_forms_approach

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closed_and_exact_differential_forms

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cohomology

Correct answer by Rd Basha on January 27, 2021

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