Qualitative description of maxwells equations

In summary: The line integrals for E and B are closed paths around an OPEN surface. This means that the net magnitude of the vector components of the magnetic field that point inward must equal to the net magnitude of the vector components that point outward. This is a basic property of electromagnetism. No magnetic monopoles:The total magnetic flux over a closed surface S is zero. This means that the net magnitude of the vector components of the magnetic field that point inward must equal to the net magnitude of the vector components that point outward. This is a basic property of electromagnetism. Faraday's Law: The path integral of the electric field along the boundary P over a closed surface S is given by -1/c times
  • #1
stunner5000pt
1,461
2

Homework Statement


Give a qualitative description of maxwell's equation s in non polarizable, non magnetizable media.

Homework Equations


[tex] \oint_{S} E \cdot dA = 4\pi\int_{V}\rho d\tau [/tex]
[tex] \oint_{S} B \cdot dA = 0 [/tex]
[tex] \oint_{P} E \cdot dl = -\frac{1}{c} \frac{d}{dt} \int_{S} B \cdot dA [/tex]
[tex] \oint_{P} B\cdot dl = \frac{4\pi}{c} \int_{S} J\cdot dA +\frac{1}{c} \frac{d}{dt} \int_{S} E \cdot dA [/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



Gauss Law : The total electric flux over a closed Gaussian surface S is given by 4 pi Q enc where Q enc is the charge enclosed by surface S in volume V.

No magnetic monopoles:The total magnetic flux over a closed surface S is zero. This means that the net magnitude of the vector components of the magnetic field that point inward must equal to the net magnitude of the vector components that point outward.

Faraday's Law: The path integral of the electric field along the boundary P over a closed surface S is given by -1/c times the time derivative of the magnetic flux over the surface S.

Ampere-Maxwell Law: The path integral of the magnetic field along the boundary P over a closed surface S is given by sum of hte total current over the surface of S and the time derivative of the electric flux over the surface S.

I ALWAYS lose marks on questions like this on tests and exams. Are these descriptions are sufficient? Do they need more detail??

Thanks for your help
 
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  • #2
The line integrals for E and B are closed paths around an OPEN surface.
 
  • #3
are these sufficient as qualitative explanations for maxwell equations??

I explained the math behind it but should i explain what it means in more physical terms?
 
  • #4
TYhey are OK, with the correction.
 
  • #5
pam said:
TYhey are OK, with the correction.

Thank you
 

1. What is the qualitative description of Maxwell's equations?

The qualitative description of Maxwell's equations refers to a non-mathematical explanation of the physical principles and concepts behind the equations. It describes the behavior of electric and magnetic fields, how they interact with each other and with charged particles, and how they propagate through space.

2. Why is the qualitative description of Maxwell's equations important?

The qualitative description of Maxwell's equations helps us understand the fundamental concepts of electricity and magnetism, and how they are interconnected. It also provides a conceptual understanding of how electromagnetic waves are generated and propagate, which is essential for many applications in technology and everyday life.

3. What are the four main equations in Maxwell's equations?

The four main equations in Maxwell's equations are Gauss's law, Gauss's law for magnetism, Faraday's law, and Ampere's law. These equations describe the relationships between electric and magnetic fields, and how they are affected by charges and currents.

4. How do Maxwell's equations relate to light?

Maxwell's equations are a set of equations that describe the behavior of electromagnetic waves, including light. These equations explain how electric and magnetic fields interact to produce and propagate light waves. In fact, Maxwell's equations predicted the existence of electromagnetic waves before they were experimentally observed.

5. Can Maxwell's equations be simplified into one equation?

No, Maxwell's equations cannot be simplified into one equation. They are a set of four equations that are interrelated and must be considered together to fully describe the behavior of electromagnetic fields. However, in certain situations, such as in free space, these equations can be simplified into a single equation known as the wave equation.

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