On the Continuity Equation in Space-Time Algebra: Multivector Waves, Poynting, Diffusion, and a Derivation of Maxwell's Equations by Symmetries

Abstract

Historically and to date, the continuity equation has served as a consistency criterion for the development of physical theories. Employing Clifford's geometric algebras, a system of continuity equations for a generalised multivector of the space-time algebra (STA) is constructed. Associated with this continuity system, a system of wave equations is constructed, the Poynting multivector is defined, and decoupling conditions are determined. The diffusion equation is explored from the continuity system, where it is found that for decoupled systems with constant or explicitly-dependent diffusion coefficients the absence of external vector sources implies a loss in the diffusion equation structure being transformed to Helmholtz-like or wave systems. From the symmetry transformations that make the continuity equations system's structure invariant, a system with the structure of Maxwell's field equations is derived. The Maxwellian system allows for the construction of potentials and fields directly linked with the continuity of a generalised multivector in STA. The results found are consistent with the classical electromagnetic theory and hydrodynamics.