The electromagnetic "memory" of a dc-conducting resistor: a relativity argument and the electrical circuits

Abstract

A circuit-field problem is considered. A resistor conducting a constant current is argued to be associated with electromagnetic energy accumulated in the surrounded space, though contrary to the case of an inductor or a capacitor, this energy is always associated with both magnetic and electrical fields. The circuit-theory point of view saying that a resistor has no electromagnetic memory is accepted, but the necessarily involved (in view of the field argument) capacitance and inductiveness are argued then also not be associated with any memory. The mutually completing circuit and physical arguments are presented as a dialog between a physicist and an electrical engineer. How can you call "parasitic" the elements that represent the fields due to which your resistor at all receives the energy?! -- asks the physicist finally.