Do Maxwell's equations need revision? - A methodological note

Abstract

We propose a modification of Maxwell's macroscopic fundamental set of equations in vacuum in order to clarify Faraday's law of induction. Using this procedure, the Lorentz force is no longer separate from Maxwell's equations. The Lorentz transformations are shown to be related to the convective derivative, which is introduced in the electrodynamics of moving bodies. The new formulation is in complete agreement with the actual set of Maxwell's equations for bodies at rest, the only novel feature is a new kind of electromotive force. Heinrich Hertz was the first to propose a similar electrodynamic theory of moving bodies, although its interpretation was based on the existence of the so called "aether". Examining the problem of a moving circuit with this procedure, it is shown that a new force of induction should act on a circuit moving through an inhomogeneous vector potential field. This overlooked induction force is related to the Aharanov-Bohm effect, but can also be related to the classical electromagnetic field when an external magnetic field is acting on the system. Technological issues, such as the so called Marinov motor are also addressed.