By now, it should be understood that a potential function can be defined based on the properties of the original field, for the purpose
of replacing the field with an equivalent but perhaps simpler representation. Many other potential functions may be defined in
addition to the magnetic vector potential and the electric scalar potential discussed here. In Section 11.3.1,we defined the magnetic
scalar potential in current-free regions. A current vector potential for steady currents in conducting media may be defined in a
manner similar to the magnetic vector potential using the condition∇J ¼ 0 (see Exercise 11.1). Other potentials are the Hertz,
Lorentz, and Whittaker potentials. However, because these potentials are not required for the development of the concepts
presented in this book, we do not pursue these here (but see Exercise 11.1 and Problems 11.20, 11.21, 11.23, 11.24, and 12.6).
Example 11.4 Vector and Scalar Potentials in Conducting Media It is required to define the electromagnetic field
equations for low frequencies in a highly conductive material in terms of the magnetic vector potential A. The material
may be assumed to be linear, homogeneous, and isotropic in all its material properties. Show that by using Coulomb’s
gauge (∇A ¼ 0), the field equations reduce to:
∇2A ¼ μJ