The electromagnetic "memory" of a dc-conducting resistor: a relativity argument and the electrical circuits

TL;DR

This paper explores the electromagnetic energy stored around a resistor conducting a constant current, challenging traditional circuit theory by arguing that resistors can have electromagnetic memory due to their associated fields.

Contribution

It introduces a relativity-based argument that resistors, unlike inductors or capacitors, can store electromagnetic energy and have a form of electromagnetic memory.

Findings

Resistors can accumulate electromagnetic energy in their surrounding space.

Electromagnetic fields around resistors imply a form of memory not acknowledged in standard circuit theory.

The paper presents a dialogue contrasting circuit theory and physical field considerations.

Abstract

A circuit-field problem is considered. A resistor conducting a constant current is argued to be associated with electromagnetic energy accumulated in the surrounded space, though contrary to the case of an inductor or a capacitor, this energy is always associated with both magnetic and electrical fields. The circuit-theory point of view saying that a resistor has no electromagnetic memory is accepted, but the necessarily involved (in view of the field argument) capacitance and inductiveness are argued then also not be associated with any memory. The mutually completing circuit and physical arguments are presented as a dialog between a physicist and an electrical engineer. How can you call "parasitic" the elements that represent the fields due to which your resistor at all receives the energy?! -- asks the physicist finally.