Relativistic thermodynamics of irreversible processes. V: The energy-momentum tensor of the macroscopic electromagnetic field, the macroscopic forces acting on the matter and the first and second laws of thermodynamics

Abstract

A symmetric energy-momentum tensor for the macroscopic electromagnetic field in media which are isotropic as far as polarization and magnetization are concerned is derived from the general expressions, obtained in a previous paper, for the forces acting on tne matter. The non-diagonal elements of this tensor are the same as those of Abraham's tensor. Explicit expressions are given for the macroscopic forces acting on the matter and for the first and second laws of thermodynamics. It is shown that Abraham's tensor leads to an equivalent formalism and that from the point of view of the developed theory this tensor is preferable to Minkowski's tensor.