49 full

    
 V  d  
Stokes’ theorem is     V dr where the components of V �⃗ is a
are differentiable. If 𝑉𝑉
S C S

vector potential 𝐴𝐴⃗ (where 𝐵𝐵 �⃗ × 𝐴𝐴⃗) then show that Stokes theorem for the vector potential is
�⃗ = ∇

invariant by showing,
  
• �⃗ ⋅ 𝑑𝑑𝜎𝜎⃗ is invariant under the transformation A  A   where  is any
that ∬𝑆𝑆 𝐵𝐵
function (that has continuous second derivatives).

  
• that ∮𝐶𝐶≡𝜕𝜕𝜕𝜕 𝐴𝐴⃗ ⋅ 𝑑𝑑𝑟𝑟⃗ is also invariant under the transformation A  A   where  is
any function (that has continuous second derivatives). Don’t use Stokes’ theorem!

    
The magnetic field B is got from the vector potential A by B    A . Stokes’ theorem is
    
 V  d  
    V dr where the components of V are differentiable, the (closed) curve C is the
S C S

boundary of surface S , and dr is an element of the curve. Use this theorem to show that both sides of
      
 B d    Adr are invariant under the transformation A  A   where  is any function
S C S
  
(that has continuous second derivatives) and B    A .


[Note: this result illustrates that the magnetic field B is unchanged by a change to the vector
potential. Just as the scalar electric field is unaffected if a constant is added to the (scalar) potential,
the magnetic field is unaffected if the gradient of any function is added to the vector potential.]