In the theory of differential equations, the influence function describes the effect of a force at a point s has on an arbitrary point at x, denoted by G(s, x). Further analyses discovered the fact emphasizing the important of Maxwell-Raleigh reciprocity law that these Green’s functions are symmetrical: G(s, x) = G(x, s), a force at the point x gives the same effect on a point at s. This symmetry always holds for two variables s and x or force and distance.
Einstein had realized this physical symmetry even before developing relativity. When he observed that the electromagnetic force generated by a moving electric field with a stationary magnetic field is the same as that generated by a moving magnetic field with a stationary electric field. What counts is just relative motion and not absolute motion which is not detectable. Furthermore, a point force of finite magnitude is, of course, a mathematical fiction not physical reality. A nonzero force concentrated at a single point would imply infinite pressure. On the other hand, the symmetry of Green’s functions in general applies to two physical variables of force and distance whose product is an energy function. If either the magnitude of force or distance or both is zero then the energy function is also zero. Since zero-point energy is finite even though very weak none of these variables can be identically zero. Nonetheless, mathematical normalization setting to unity is allowed for either variable by rational functions.
If the time is an implicit parameter of the functions then the symmetry is broken thus violating gauge invariance. However, at infinitesimal local region of spacetime, symmetry is conserved only for squares of the energy functions.


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