Is electromagnetism an ab initio model?

[jiehuang.fi@gmail.com]

Ab initio means started from the very beginning where no other previous knowledge is needed. In quantum physics, we only need the Schrodinger equation, which is the starting point (first principle), to obtain all other properties. So we call quantum physics an ab initio model.

When dealing with macroscopic objects, we can use classical mechanics for analysis. In this case, the first principle is Newton’s equation. All other properties are based on it. So, classical mechanics can be called an ab initio model in this scenario.

When dealing with electric and magnetic fields, Maxwell’s equations can be viewed as the principles of this ab initio model.

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