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Comment on 'Helmholtz theorem and the v-gauge in the problem of superluminal and instantaneous signals in classical electrodynamics,' by Chubykalo et al [Found. of Phys. Lett, 19, 37-46 (2006)]
Fundamental errors in the Chubykalo et al paper [Found. of Phys. Lett, 19,
37-46 (2006)] are highlighted. Contrary to their claim that "... the
irrotational component of the electric field has a physical meaning and can
propagate exclusively instantaneously," it is shown that this instantaneous
component is physically irrelevant because it is always canceled by a term
contained into the solenoidal component. This result follows directly from the
solution of the wave equation that satisfies the solenoidal component.
Therefore the subsequent inference of these authors that there are two
mechanisms of transmission of energy and momentum in classical electrodynamics,
one retarded and the other one instantaneous, has no basis. The example given
by these authors in which the full electric field of an oscillating charge
equals its instantaneous irrotational component on the axis of oscillations is
proved to be false.Comment: An alternative discussion can be found in the paper: Jose A. Heras,
"How potentials in different gauges yield the same retarded electric and
magnetic fields," Am. J. Phys. 75, 176-183 (2007
A short proof that the Coulomb-gauge potentials yield the retarded fields
A short demonstration that the potentials in the Coulomb gauge yield the
retarded electric and magnetic fields is presented. This demonstration is
relatively simple and can be presented in an advanced undergraduate curse of
electromagnetic theory
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