Strong limitations on allowable gauge transformations in electrodynamics

Abstract: Conservation principles establish the primacy of potentials over fields in electrodynamics, both classical and quantum. The contrary conclusion that fields are primary is based on the Newtonian concept that forces completely determine dynamics, and electromagnetic forces depend directly on fields. However, physical conservation principles come from symmetries such as those following from Noether's theorem, and these require potentials for their statement. Examples are given of potentials that describe fields correctly but that violate conservation principles, demonstrating that the correct statement of potentials is necessary. An important consequence is that gauge transformations are severely limited when conservation conditions must be satisfied. When transverse and longitudinal fields are present concurrently, the only practical gauge is the radiation gauge.