The Poynting vector should be E×B/μ0 not E×H

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

The Poynting vector should be defined as E×B/μ0 instead of E×H to accurately account for the role of bound charges in electromagnetic momentum. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.CHALLENGES_CONSENSUS.

Kirk T. McDonald

doi:10.1119/5.0297408

February 19, 2026American Journal of Physics

The Poynting vector should be E×B/μ0 not E×H

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Key Points

The aim is to clarify the definition of the Poynting vector in relation to bound charges and electromagnetic momentum.
Revisiting Poynting's analysis of electromagnetic concepts
Examining the role of bound charges in energy definitions
Analyzing implications for the Abraham-Minkowski controversy
Clarifies that the Poynting vector is better expressed as E×B/μ0 instead of E×H
Highlights the significance of bound charges in determining energy flux
Sheds light on longstanding debates surrounding electromagnetic momentum

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Abstract

Editor's Note: This Note revisits Poynting's analysis of electromagnetic work, energy density, and energy flux in matter. While Poynting focused on the interaction between fields and free charges, the author argues that making the role of bound charges explicit sheds light on the Abraham–Minkowski controversy over the proper definition of electromagnetic momentum.

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Kirk T. McDonald (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69994bef873532290d0200c3 https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0297408

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The Poynting vector should be E×B/μ0 not E×H

Key Points

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Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

The Poynting vector should be E×B/μ0 not E×H

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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