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

An M. Rodriguez (ORCID), Alex Mercer

Preferred Frame Writing โ€” January 2026

One-Sentence Summary

Maxwellโ€™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. Maxwellโ€™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 (this version)
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