Are Electricity and Magnetism Related or Inverses of Each Other?

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between a moving charge and a magnetic field, as well as a moving magnet and an electric current. It is mentioned that this relationship has been shown in Maxwell equations, and that the two are essentially the same thing. The relativistic Lorentz transformations for electric and magnetic fields are also mentioned, showing the symmetry between them. The conversation ends with a suggestion to look up more information on Maxwell equations.
  • #1
thomasxc
140
0
does the fact that a moving charge creates a magnetic field, and a moving magnet creates an electric current, imply that the two are related or inverses of each other?




-Tom
 
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  • #2
thomasxc said:
does the fact that a moving charge creates a magnetic field, and a moving magnet creates an electric current, imply that the two are related or inverses of each other?




-Tom

Isn't that what has already been shown in Maxwell equations?

Zz.
 
  • #3
thomasxc said:
does the fact that a moving charge creates a magnetic field, and a moving magnet creates an electric current, imply that the two are related or inverses of each other?




-Tom


Well they're not "inverses" of each other but they are the same thing. What you view as an electrostatic phenomena a person moving along relative to you would view as a magnetic phenomena. It's really semantics to say which is which. However, if both of you calculated the result of this phenomena (say a charge stationary relative to you attracting a moving charge towards it) using maxwell's equations you'd both get identical answers. He'd just think it was because of magnetism and you'd think it was because of electrostatics. You'd BOTH be right from your respective reference frames.
 
  • #4
The relativistic Lorentz transformations from the unprimed reference frame to the primed reference frame for electric and magnetic fields are shown in the last four lines in:
http://pdg.lbl.gov/2002/elecrelarpp.pdf
Note the symmetry (except for the minus sign) between the E and B field transformations in the column labelled Gaussian units.
 
  • #5
ZapperZ said:
Isn't that what has already been shown in Maxwell equations?

Zz.



i wouldn't know, Zz. i am not familiar with them.
 
  • #7
huh. that's cool.
 

1. What is electricity?

Electricity is a form of energy that is caused by the movement of electrons. It can either be static, meaning the electrons are not flowing, or dynamic, meaning the electrons are flowing through a conductor.

2. What is magnetism?

Magnetism is a physical phenomenon in which certain materials exert an attractive or repulsive force on other materials. It is caused by the alignment of magnetic domains within a material, creating a magnetic field.

3. How are electricity and magnetism related?

Electricity and magnetism are closely related as they are two sides of the same force, known as electromagnetism. Moving electric charges (electricity) create magnetic fields, and changing magnetic fields can create electric currents.

4. What is the difference between AC and DC electricity?

AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) refer to the direction of the flow of electrons. In AC, the direction of the flow of electrons alternates back and forth, while in DC, the electrons flow in one direction. AC is used for long-distance power transmission, while DC is used for smaller electronics.

5. How does electricity and magnetism impact our daily lives?

Electricity and magnetism have a huge impact on our daily lives. They are essential for powering our homes, transportation, and technology. They also play a role in communication, as well as medical technologies such as MRI machines. Without electricity and magnetism, our modern way of life would not be possible.

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