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Poynting's Theorem

Mathematical Physics

In electrodynamics, Poynting's theorem is a statement of conservation of energy for electromagnetic fields, developed by the British physicist John Henry Poynting. It states that within a given volume the stored energy changes at a rate equal to the work done on the charges inside the volume minus the rate at which energy leaves the volume, a relationship strictly true only in non-dispersive media though it can be extended to the dispersive case, and it is mathematically analogous to the work-energy theorem of classical mechanics and to the continuity equation.

Facts
Statement
The rate of energy transfer per unit volume out of a region of space equals the rate of work done on the charge distribution in that region plus the energy flux leaving through the region boundary. 1
Proof Year
1884 1
Classification
Statement Form
Identity or Equation 1
Sources
1. Poynting's theorem, Wikipedia
  • Definition section
    Poynting's theorem states that the rate of energy transfer per unit volume from a region of space equals the rate of work done on the charge distribution in the region, plus the energy flux leaving that region.
  • References section, Poynting 1884 citation
    Poynting, J. H. (January 1884). "On the Transfer of Energy in the Electromagnetic Field"
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