Abstract :
Whereas, to the physicist, the electric field in space is completely described by the field vector E, engineers commonly add the flux density, or displacement vector D as a separate quantity, and many regard the SI units as endorsing the need for two different vectors. The author examines the practical implications of a treatment which makes the concept of electric flux unnecessary, by concentrating attention of the charges. The electric field is defined as the potential, phi , and its gradient becomes an auxiliary function, thus reversing their customary roles. The distinction between what is meant by the terms ´electric´ and ´magnetic´ also changes. It is shown that this approach has advantages in electrostatic theory, clarifies the concept of potential datum, and gives an entirely different view of electromagnetic propagation. Energy radiation is described in terms of the behaviour of the charges instead of the fluxes and characterises most electromagnetic devices.
