In physics, the Poynting vector can be thought of as representing the energy flux (in W/m2) of an electromagnetic field. It is named after its inventor John Henry Poynting. Oliver Heaviside and Nikolay Umov independently co-invented the Poynting vector. In Poynting's original paper and in many textbooks it is defined as
S = E x H
which is often called the Abraham form; here E is the electric field and H the auxiliary magnetic field. (All bold letters represent vectors.) Sometimes, an alternative definition in terms of electric field E and the magnetic field B is used, which is explained below. It is even possible to combine the displacement field D with the magnetic field B to get the Minkowski form of the Poynting vector, or use D and H to construct another. The choice has been controversial: Pfeifer et al. admirably summarize the century-long dispute between proponents of the Abraham and Minkowski forms. (WikiPedia)
Letter to the editor. "Alternative choice for the energy flow vector of the electromagnetic field."
Mentions eight alternative energy flow vectors proposed by Slepian that satisfy Poynting's theorem. It is now well established that some static electromagnetic fields possess angular momentum. It is required that the energy flow vector be the usual Poynting vector.
Points out that the fact that a stationary object can possess angular momentum is rather shocking, at first sight, but it is clearly inevitable. References are given. Note that, if the angular momentum of a stationary object could be "tapped", one could possibly obtain "free energy". Lorain, Paul; American Journal of Physics. 50(6), June, 1982. p. 492.
See Also
4.1 - Triple Vectors
4.2 - Triple Vectors and Rotation
Conduction
Drude Electron
Figure 2.10 - Triple Dual Vectors - In Rotary Motion
Figure 3.1 - In and Out Vectors or Directions
Figure 3.13 - Orthogonal Vector Potentials
Figure 3.14 - Initial Vector Polarizations
Figure 3.17 - Balanced Vector Tendencies or Motions
Figure 3.26 - Formation of Spheres along Six Vectors of Cubes
Figure 3.34 - Electric and Magnetic Vectors
Figure 3.5 - Conflicting and Opposing Vector Potentials
Figure 4.1 - Triple Cardinal Directions Vectors or Dimensions
Figure 4.3 - Single Mode Electric Vector Generating Circular Motion also Shown within Triple Vectors
Figure 4.4 - Triple Vectors in Orthogonal Motions
Figure 4.6 - Triple Vectors in Motion on Triple Planes
Figure 4.7 - Triple Planes and Polar Vectors of Motion
Figure 6.3 - Cube with Orthogonal Vectors
Figure 7.11 - Russells Vacuum becoming Matter on Three Vectors
Figure 10.07 - Corner Vortices and Vectors
Figure 16.05 - Electric Centering Shaft around which dances Magnetic Vectors
Heaviside Component
Principle of Regeneration
vector boson