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Maxwell Electromagnetism as the Minimal Dynamics of Divergence-Free Energy Flow

An M. Rodriguez (ORCID), Alex Mercer

Preferred Frame Writing — January 2026

One-Sentence Summary

Maxwell’s equations constitute the simplest dynamical law capable of transporting energy continuously and locally while preserving divergence-free structure in three dimensions.

Summary

We show that Maxwell electromagnetism arises as the minimal dynamical closure of divergence-free energy flow subject to a continuity description. Continuity constrains energy bookkeeping but does not determine how energy moves. Requiring local transport that preserves divergence-free structure forces curl-based evolution. Maxwell’s equations are not postulated but emerge as the simplest dynamics capable of moving energy without creating or destroying sources. This establishes electromagnetism as the minimal, not maximal, theory of divergence-free energy transport.

Keywords

Keywords: Maxwell theory, divergence-free flow, continuity equation, curl dynamics, minimal dynamics, electromagnetic foundations

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2026-01-15 https://writing.preferredframe.com/doi/10.5281/zenodo.18264435
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