Proceedings Article | 2 September 2009
KEYWORDS: Electromagnetism, Radio propagation, Electrodynamics, Polarization, Magnetism, Beam propagation method, Free space, Maxwell's equations, Light wave propagation, Special relativity
The classical theory of electromagnetism is based on Maxwell's macroscopic equations, an energy
postulate, a momentum postulate, and a generalized form of the Lorentz law of force. These seven postulates
constitute the foundation of a complete and consistent theory, thus eliminating the need for physical models of
polarization P and magnetization M - these being the distinguishing features of Maxwell's macroscopic equations.
In the proposed formulation, P(r,t) and M(r,t) are arbitrary functions of space and time, their physical properties
being embedded in the seven postulates of the theory. The postulates are self-consistent, comply with special
relativity, and satisfy the laws of conservation of energy, linear momentum, and angular momentum. The Abraham
momentum density pEM(r,t)=E(r, t)×H(r,t)/c2 emerges as the universal electromagnetic momentum that does not
depend on whether the field is propagating or evanescent, and whether or not the host media are homogeneous,
transparent, isotropic, linear, dispersive, magnetic, hysteretic, negative-index, etc. Any variation with time of the
total electromagnetic momentum of a closed system results in a force exerted on the material media within the
system in accordance with the generalized Lorentz law.
