Maxwell's Equations: Explanation in Words

In summary, Maxwell's equations describe the relationship between electricity and magnetism and show that they are two aspects of the same phenomenon. They also explain how electric and magnetic fields interact and how changing fields can induce each other. However, they do not directly explain the attraction or rejection of currents in wires. That can be determined using a complementary equation, the Lorentz force law.
  • #1
eranb2
26
0
Hi

What do the 4 equations say in words?
not in math but in words that explains the meaning of them.


thanks
 
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  • #2
Try having a look at our Library Article: Maxwell's equations and see if that helps.
 
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  • #3
Their meaning is expanded through a quantum view, but classically: The total electric flux through any closed surface equals the net charge inside divide by the permittivity. The net magnetic flux through a closed surface is zero (magnetic fields are essentially found as dipoles of North and South; monopoles have not yet been detected). A changing magnetic field induces a propagating electric field, whereas a changing electric field induces a magnetic field (hence when you have moving charges, current, you have a magnetic field---when reviewing displacement currents, note that they tell that a magnetic field is induced that is continuous to that of the conventional current).

One of the points of Maxwell's equations is to show the symmetry between electricity and magnetism...hence you have two concepts of the same phenomenon: electromagnetism
 
  • #4
another question,
if in two wires the current flows in the same direction - attraction
not the same direction - rejection.

which one of maxwell equations says that?
 
  • #5
As far as I know, none of Maxwell's equations say that. However, a complementary equation - the Lorentz force law - states what will happen to the wire. For reference, the Lorentz law is:

[tex] \vec{F} = q\left(\vec{E} + \vec{v}\times \vec{B} \right) [/tex]
 
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Likes Mr. Devisser
  • #6
eranb2 said:
another question,
if in two wires the current flows in the same direction - attraction
not the same direction - rejection.

which one of maxwell equations says that?

Archduke is right...they do not directly show such...but you can use the equations to show what happens.
 

1. What are Maxwell's Equations?

Maxwell's Equations are a set of four fundamental equations that describe the behavior of electric and magnetic fields, and how they are influenced by charged particles and currents.

2. Who developed Maxwell's Equations?

Maxwell's Equations were developed by Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell in the mid-19th century.

3. Why are Maxwell's Equations important?

Maxwell's Equations are important because they provide a comprehensive understanding of the behavior of electricity and magnetism, and they have been used to develop many modern technologies such as radio, television, and telecommunications.

4. Can you explain each of Maxwell's Equations?

The first equation, Gauss's Law, describes the relationship between electric fields and the presence of electric charges. The second equation, Gauss's Law for Magnetism, explains the absence of magnetic monopoles and how magnetic fields are created by currents. The third equation, Faraday's Law, describes the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction, where a changing magnetic field induces an electric field. The fourth equation, Ampere's Law, relates the circulation of a magnetic field to the presence of currents and changing electric fields.

5. How are Maxwell's Equations used in practical applications?

Maxwell's Equations have been used to develop many technologies, including radio and television broadcasting, wireless communication, and medical imaging devices. They are also used in engineering and design of electrical and electronic systems, such as power generation and transmission systems, computer circuits, and electric motors.

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