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3
questions
2
votes
2
answers
207
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"One-parameter" gauge transformation
In my advanced classical physics course, it was stated that the electromagnetic field strength tensor $F_{\mu\nu} = \partial_{\nu}A_{\mu} - \partial_{\mu}A_{\nu}$ is invariant under "one-...
- 234
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vote
3
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Why does gauge invariance in electrodynamics mean that there are redundant degrees of freedom? [closed]
It is possible to choose different gauges in electrodynamics. I am familiar with two of them: Coulomb gauge and Lorenz gauge. Let us stick to the Coulomb gauge. It sets $$\nabla\cdot\vec{A}=0.$$ The ...
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18
votes
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answer
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Gauge fixing and degrees of freedom
Today, my friend (@Will) posed a very intriguing question -
Consider a complex scalar field theory with a $U(1)$ gauge field $(A_\mu, \phi, \phi^*)$. The idea of gauge freedom is that two solutions ...
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