Is it a magnetic or an electric field that causes induction

In summary, the induction in an antenna is caused by the electric field of an incoming wave, which alternately charges the ends of the rods. The direction of the magnetic field associated with the electric field in the electromagnetic wave is perpendicular to the direction of propagation on the x-axis. The motion of the electrons in the wire is also along the x-axis, and the resulting direction of the magnetic force on the electrons is determined by the right-hand rule and is oriented with respect to the wires. It is important to avoid double-counting the effects of the electric and magnetic fields on the movement of the electrons.
  • #1
tor2006
Is it a magnetic or an electric field that causes induction in the antenna
wiki says that:


The electric field (E, green arrows) of the incoming wave pushes the electrons in the rods back and forth, charging the ends alternately positive (+) and negative (−). enter image description here but isn't it a magnetic field that makes a charge oscillate?

I am adding a picture, can you please explain how it should work? the wave propagates on the x axis, how do we know that there is an electric field/ potential on the wave in the z axis? enter image description here
 

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  • #2
tor2006 said:
isn't it a magnetic field that makes a charge oscillate?

Let's call the line of the wires the x-axis, and the direction of propagation of the wave the y-axis, and the third (vertical) direction the z-axis.

1. In the diagram, what is the direction of the magnetic field that is associated with the given electric field, as part of the electromagnetic wave?
2. What is the direction of motion of the electrons along the wire?
3. What is the resulting direction of the magnetic force on the electrons, as per the right-hand rule? How is that direction oriented with respect to the wires?
 
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  • #3
jtbell said:
Let's call the line of the wires the x-axis, and the direction of propagation of the wave the y-axis, and the third (vertical) direction the z-axis.

1. In the diagram, what is the direction of the magnetic field that is associated with the given electric field, as part of the electromagnetic wave?
2. What is the direction of motion of the electrons along the wire?
3. What is the resulting direction of the magnetic force on the electrons, as per the right-hand rule? How is that direction oriented with respect to the wires?
I feel that we must avoid double-counting here.
If we assume that the electric field moves the electrons, then that gives the correct answer. We should not also assume that the magnetic field gives the electrons an additional movement, because it amounts to the same thing.
 

What is the difference between a magnetic field and an electric field?

A magnetic field is caused by moving electric charges and exerts a force on other moving charges. An electric field is caused by stationary electric charges and exerts a force on other stationary or moving charges.

What is induction?

Induction is the production of an electric current or voltage in a conductor due to a changing magnetic field or a changing electric field.

How does a magnetic field cause induction?

A changing magnetic field can induce a current in a conductor through the process of electromagnetic induction. When the magnetic field around a conductor changes, it creates a current in the conductor.

How does an electric field cause induction?

An electric field can induce a current in a conductor by creating a potential difference between two points in the conductor. This potential difference causes charges to move, producing a current.

What are some real-life applications of induction?

Induction is used in various technologies, such as generators, transformers, and electric motors. It is also used in wireless charging, metal detectors, and induction cooking. It is also essential in the functioning of most electronic devices, such as phones and computers.

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