New perspectives on classical electromagnetism

TL;DR

This paper critiques common misconceptions in classical electromagnetism's gauge concept and proposes a clearer formulation emphasizing physical constraints and the reality of the vector potential.

Contribution

It introduces a revised perspective on classical electromagnetism that addresses gauge fallacies and emphasizes the physical significance of the vector potential.

Findings

Identifies fallacies in the gauge concept

Proposes a formulation based on physical constraints

Highlights the physical reality of the vector potential

Abstract

The fallacies associated with the gauge concept in electromagnetism are illustrated. A clearer and more valid formulation of the basics of classical electromagnetism is provided by recognizing existing physical constraints as well as the physical reality of the vector potential.