So do I. If non-conservative forces are involved, the energy of an
electrostatic field cannot be calculated in terms of the existing theory. Let
me illustrate the problem for the last time by refering to fig. 6-7 on p. 112
in W. Panofsky, M. Phillips, Classical Electricity and Magnetism, 2nd ed.,
Addison-Wesley, 1962. As a pair of (vertical) capacitor plates partially dip
into a dielectric liquid, the liquid inside the capacitor is shown to rise
high above the surface of the liquid that is outside the capacitor. Four
hypotheses seem relevant:
1. Panofsky gives a wrong picture - the effect does not exist.
2. If we punch a hole in the plate, below the surface of the liquid inside the
capacitor but above the surface of the liquid outside the capacitor, no liquid
will leak out through the hole.
3. The liquid will leak out in violation of the first law.
4. The liquid will leak out in violation of the second law.