An introduction to the Poynting vector

Most students of physics first encounter the concept of electromagnetic energy flow associated with Poynting vector at a relatively advanced stage in their education, usually in the context of the flow of energy in electromagnetic waves. The present author draws attention to the possibility of introducing the Poynting vector concept at a much earlier, even elementary, stage, during discussion of simple d.c. circuits, which usually includes the resistive behaviour and some description of the electric and magnetic fields associated with the circuits.