Electrodynamics of Moving Media

Abstract

On the basis of the Minkowski formulation, the total energy-momentum tensor of a system con-sisting of matter and electromagnetic fields is derived from the macroscopic theory. The analysis of this tensor shows that the electromagnetic fields supply the matter with momentum and energy. Consequently, the electromagnetic part and the material part overlap each other in the total energy-momentum tensor. Hence it is impossible to divide the total energy-momentum tensor into an electromagnetic tensor and a material tensor. In a closed system, in general, only the total energy-momentum tensor has physical significance and can be defined. Further, the generalized force which acts on the matter is obtained and interpreted clearly. © 1977, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.