What is Electromagnetism: Definition and 839 Discussions

Electromagnetism is a branch of physics involving the study of the electromagnetic force, a type of physical interaction that occurs between electrically charged particles. The electromagnetic force is carried by electromagnetic fields composed of electric fields and magnetic fields, and it is responsible for electromagnetic radiation such as light. It is one of the four fundamental interactions (commonly called forces) in nature, together with the strong interaction, the weak interaction, and gravitation. At high energy, the weak force and electromagnetic force are unified as a single electroweak force.

Electromagnetic phenomena are defined in terms of the electromagnetic force, sometimes called the Lorentz force, which includes both electricity and magnetism as different manifestations of the same phenomenon. The electromagnetic force plays a major role in determining the internal properties of most objects encountered in daily life. The electromagnetic attraction between atomic nuclei and their orbital electrons holds atoms together. Electromagnetic forces are responsible for the chemical bonds between atoms which create molecules, and intermolecular forces. The electromagnetic force governs all chemical processes, which arise from interactions between the electrons of neighboring atoms. Electromagnetism is very widely used in modern technology, and electromagnetic theory is the basis of electric power engineering and electronics including digital technology.
There are numerous mathematical descriptions of the electromagnetic field. Most prominently, Maxwell's equations describe how electric and magnetic fields are generated and altered by each other and by charges and currents.
The theoretical implications of electromagnetism, particularly the establishment of the speed of light based on properties of the "medium" of propagation (permeability and permittivity), led to the development of special relativity by Albert Einstein in 1905.

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  1. P

    Electromagnetism, current in coil

    1. A coil of 25 turns of wire is suspended by a thread. When a current flows through the coil, the tension in the thread is reduced by 4.0 x 10-2 N. What are the magnitude and direction of the current? {magnitude of current; direction of current} a) 4.1 A; clockwise b) 0.16 A; clockwise c)...
  2. P

    Electromagnetism, finding potential difference

    1. Four conductors of equal length are each moved through a uniform magnetic field moving away from us (into the page) in different directions and with different speeds, as shown in my attached diagram. While the four conductors are being moved through the field, in which conductor will the...
  3. P

    Electromagnetism — finding the current

    1. A 35 loop square coil 0.12 m on a side is positioned in a 0.050 T magnetic field. A 0.20 kg mass is suspended from one side of the coil as shown in the diagram attached. How much current must pass through the coil in order for the coil to remain horizontal? A. 2.3 A B. 4.7 A C. 9.3 A D. 330...
  4. Spinnor

    Fiber bundles and the fiber for Electromagnetism.

    The circle is the fiber over Minkowski spacetime for electromagnetism? I want to make connection to the classical vector potential via some " picture" involving this circle. Does the following come close? Can I consider a 3 dimensional surface in C_1XMinkowski space that at a given slice of...
  5. M

    Learning curve of Electromagnetism?

    I'm taking a first year physics course and have been having a little trouble with the basics of Newtons laws and forces and whatnot, though nothing that can't be fixed with a bit more hard work. I'm looking ahead now and seeing a lot of EM material, and after kind of taking a brief look at...
  6. 4

    The strength of electromagnetism in an atom?

    I realize atoms are held together by STRONG electromagnetism, but if you were to convert this energy into an everyday scenario, how strong would it really be? I'm trying to explain the power behind a small atom and I feel using a 'real', known object. Thank you in advance for any answers.
  7. J

    Is There a Connection Between Electromagnetism and Gravity?

    My last thread for a while. Could possibly be a dumb question so you must forgive I am not well versed in these matters but have become curious about physics in general. I was just wondering if it was possible that electromagnetism and gravity are actually connected?
  8. M

    Electromagnetism - Dielectric and Various Cavities

    Homework Statement A large block of dielectric contains small cavities of various shapes whose sizes are much smaller than the block. The dielectric has uniform polarization P except those cavities which are assumed not to disturb the polarization of dielectric. (a) Show that, inside a...
  9. H

    Electromagnetism coupled with continuum mechanics

    Are there any textbooks on something like this, a self consistent treatment of classical electromagnetism (relavistic is fine too) where the field equations are solved alongside with the matter fields.
  10. C

    Studying for Electromagnetism Final Resources?

    I'm currently taking first year Electromagnetism and I'm studying for the final, I was wondering if anyone has links to some good resources to help? Currently I'm just rewriting my notes and marking down any concepts I need to look into.
  11. J

    Electromagnetism direction rule

    Homework Statement #45 What is the magnitude and the direction of the current? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I know how to get the magnitude but i don't get the current direction...how do i find out which way the current goes? What is the general rule to find the direction of...
  12. D

    Getting Back Into Physics: Struggling to Understand Electromagnetism

    I have come back to studying physics after 5 years and I'm doing a course in electromagnetism. I've come to the wave equation and I'm a little rusty. For example, the general solution, A(z,t) = Acos(2*pi*z/L - 2*pi*f*t + phi) I know basically what the terms mean, but I'm unsure how they...
  13. B

    Charge Transfer and Force Dynamics in an Electromagnetic System

    Hey guys, it's been a long time since I've taken physics and I was hoping for some help on this theoretical situation. Ok, let's say you have a positively charged ball placed in the middle of a negatively charged circle. Outside of the circle are 4 positively charged balls, one to the north...
  14. K

    Cyclosis in Maxwell's Electromagnetism (Vol.1)

    Cyclosis in Maxwell's "Electromagnetism (Vol.1)" On page 16, sec. 18 of his "Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism (Vol. 1)", Maxwell introduces the terms cyclosis and cyclomatic number. I cannot visualize the geometry that he describes and so the next few pages are lost on me. Please help me...
  15. K

    Programs Electromagnetism for an Electrical Engineer Major?

    I know I'm an electrical engineering major but I'm looking to get the most out of my courses. I'm curious about the significant differences between the two intro to electromagnetism courses offered at my school: the "engineering" and the "physics" versions. I'm not sure I get the whole applied...
  16. S

    Question concerning Electromagnetism

    Here is a homework question that I have for my general physics class; our professor ran out of time during lecture and did not get to explain the material very well so I am a little lost. A 47.0 g ball of copper has a net charge of 1.7 µC. What fraction of the copper's electrons have been...
  17. jtbell

    Classical Electromagnetism by Pollack and Stump

    Author: Gerald L. Pollack and Daniel R. Stump Title: Electromagnetism Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805385673/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Calculus-based intro physics and a year of calculus Contents History and Perspective Vector Calculus Basic Principles of...
  18. Greg Bernhardt

    Classical Classical Electromagnetism by Jerrold Franklin

    Author: Jerrold Franklin Name: Classical Electromagnetism Amazon url: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805387331/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Level: First year graduate course text. User comments: Meir Achuz This book is on the level of Jackson, but with the readability of Griffiths. It has...
  19. C

    Electromagnetism its counterpart particle? And can it be used to create a PMF?

    Usually I like to expand my questions (no matter how dumb they may be) with proof/ history/ statements/ comments, but this time... I'm going to be a little more straight to the point. Btw, if you notice me say something incorrect, please tell me; the things I am stating here are said in the way...
  20. V

    Is Electromagnetism's Causality Consistent with Special Relativity?

    We are usually told in an introduction to general relativity that when special relativity was completed, there was a contradiction with Newtonian physics. The Newtonian gravitational force of M on m is F_g = -G \frac{M m}{r^2} \hat{r} where \vec{r} is the spatial vector from M to m. This...
  21. N

    Energy-momentum tensor for electromagnetism

    Homework Statement Derive Tμν=FμλFνλ-1/4ημνFλθFλθ From \mathcal{L}=1/4F_{μν}F^{μν}+A_μJ^μ Homework Equations Above 3. The Attempt at a Solution The first term of the given equation and the second term of the equation to prove are i believe the same.i know, Jμ=\partial_νF^{μν}...
  22. M

    What took electromagnetism so long to be discovered?

    From a historical point of view, I don't see how people like Newton were studying the solar system and the effects of gravity on the moon before figuring out the electromagnetic phenomenon. It seems like it would be much harder to study the orbits of the planets than electricity, since at least...
  23. K

    Electromagnetism - Poynting vector

    Hello! I' currently reading EM and am in need of a verification that I understood it correctly before proceeding. Just to see if I got this right: The energy flowing out of a point, p, is described by the Poynting vector of the field at that point. The momentum density of the field is...
  24. S

    Intense physics question, mix of radioactive decay and electromagnetism

    Homework Statement A sample of thorium-226 is stored in a lead box. Thorium-226 undergoes alpha decay. The lead box has a small opening on the left side to allow a stream of alpha particles to escape. In the sample a nucleus of thorium-226 is at rest when it undergoes alpha decay. The daughter...
  25. T

    Maths prep for Electromagnetism unit

    Early next year I will be beginning an Electromagnetism unit. However, I think I should refresh my maths over the summer break first. Here is the Unit Description from the uni website: A detailed treatment of electric and magnetic fields and theory sources leading to the formulation of...
  26. V

    General questions about electromagnetism.

    I was wondering about some basic concepts of electromagnetism. Firstly, resistance is kind of like the measure of obstruction in a conducting material; right? So maybe the atomic properties of the conducting material are such that the current of electrons gets obstructed and ends up colliding...
  27. Jalo

    Electromagnetism: charge density

    Homework Statement Given a sphere of radius R with a volumic charge distribution p find the function p. The electric field inside of the sphere is radial with a constant modulus E Homework Equations div E = p / ε ∫∫E.ds = 1/ε * ∫∫∫ p * dV The Attempt at a Solution I tried to solve it...
  28. S

    Electromagnetism theory questions

    Homework Statement 1. http://http://tinypic.com/r/2r386q1/6 Determine the polarity of the induced magnetic field and direction of electron flow for each. Indicate which end of the generator becomes a negative terminal. I don't know how to do the last two that you see e and f 2. In the...
  29. S

    How Is Magnetic Field Strength Calculated in a Solenoid with a Current Balance?

    Homework Statement A solenoid lies horizontally with a current balance WXYZ balanced in the solenoid core. Sides WX and ZY are 7.1 cm and side XY is 1.9cm. A current of 6.0A flows through the conductor of the balance. If a 17.6g mass is necessary to balance the current balance what is the...
  30. M

    Electromagnetism Q: Charge Density & Total Charge Calculation

    Hi, studying for exam and checking if i am doing this question correctly , Q: Cylinder radius R=1m length L=2m exists in free space with no other charges nearby. Cylinder volume is charged with uniform charge Q= 7C. (a)Find the charge density in Coulombs per cubic metre. (b) charge...
  31. C

    Should I Choose Partial Differential Equations or Electromagnetism for my Next Semester?

    I have a choice between 2 classes next semester that conflict, and if I choose one I will graduate without taking the other. Partial differential equations or electromagnetism? I'm a math/chemistry major and I want to go to grad school for chemical physics or physical chemistry. Any insight as...
  32. N

    Electromagnetism : Current Induction

    Homework Statement that fig is taken from the book of The Feynman Lectures on Physics. The fig above shows that if the copper disc is rotated (by a hand), there will be induced current, measured by the galvanometer. this engineering principle is the basic principle of a generator. what would...
  33. R

    Electromagnetism (Dielectrics)

    Homework Statement A dielectric slab with a susceptibility ##\chi_e## rests on a conducting plate whose upper surface carries a free surface charge density ##\sigma##. Show that the polarization surface charge density ##\sigma_{pol}## on the lower face of the dialectic slab is: ##\sigma_{pol}...
  34. K

    Seeking Help with Electromagnetism: Understanding 'Cancelling the Singularity

    I am currently reading a book about the electromegnetism. When I went through the introductory chapter, there is a small part that I do not understand clearly. Therefore, I hope that I can seek help here. Quote: --- --- --- --- ---...
  35. S

    Time reversibility of electromagnetism in Incandescent light bulb

    Hi This might seem odd but I need to explain my friend on this Friend and I agreed that Classical physics is time reversible (i.e. laws remain same if time is reversed.. e.g. gravitational pull on a projectile.) only exception is II law of Thermodynamics (which talks of irreversible decrease...
  36. S

    Electromagnetism with an iron core

    Homework Statement When we have an iron core in a solenoid, the iron core will become magnetised. But if I were to put a piece of iron in front of the iron and solenoid the piece of iron will come out like in a door chime. But as it comes out, will the magnetic field be stretched and elongated...
  37. C

    Improve Your Understanding of Electromagnetism with These Recommended Textbooks

    Hi all, Just got a quick question regarding textbooks revolving around electromagnetism studies. I'm a Mechanical Engineering major and I have a firm grasp on pretty much all classical mechanics and have begun exploring some quantum studies for personal pleasure. I've found however that I am...
  38. E

    Question on Electromagnetism. Specifically to do with speed of an object in a field.

    Homework Statement Problem is http://imgur.com/bQIFJ Homework Equations I presume F=BIl and E=Blu. The Attempt at a Solution Not very well. I don't really understand how to start the question so if I could get some nudges in the right direction that'd be great. I'm not sure how...
  39. E

    Electromagnetism - intrinsic impedance and poynting vector

    1. I know that 1/2 of the real part of the complex poynting vector gives the average power flow per unit area. But what is the significance of its imaginary part ? 2. What is the significance of the complex intrinsic impedance ? For lossless medium (i.e. with no ohmic losses) it is real , but...
  40. R

    Electromagnetism Problem (conductors, dielectrics)

    Homework Statement http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/1508/problemhd.jpg Homework Equations The Ampere law: \oint_C \vec{B} \cdot d\vec{l} = \mu_0 I_{enc} The field and flux is proportional to the current: \Phi = LI The Attempt at a Solution (a) \oint_C \vec{B} \cdot d\vec{l} = \vec{B}...
  41. A

    Gravity - relationship with Electromagnetism?

    Gravity -- relationship with Electromagnetism? Hi all my interest in Physics is purely a hobby and I have to say I have gaps in my knowledge but even then I have a question is it possible that the wave and particle nature of electromagnetic waves and small particles are related to gravity...
  42. A

    Question about electromagnetism

    Is electromagnetism a combination of electricity and megnetism; hence "electro-magnetism"?
  43. N

    Electromagnetism & Higgs Boson

    I want to get caught up in this discovery and of course it would more "legitimate" if I better understood what the standard model is.So I'll ask some slightly random "Yes/No" questions. Are the "Gauge Bosons/Force Carriers" that have mass "supposed to be" mass-less? But from...
  44. S

    What is the relationship between light and electromagnetism?

    So how is light related to EM-ism? I can understand its relation to heat and materia to a certain extent. But overall the magnetic field does not have any effect on a common ray of light. And i cannot magnetise ,for example, a piece of iron just by showering it with a light of a certain...
  45. I

    Can someone explain electromagnetism?

    I know its mediating boson is the photon, but i don't understand how that works. Wikipedia is no help, so i hope you guys can. How can the particle of light (even though it is oscillating electric and magnetic waves) which is neutral in charge, affect anything with an electric charge? Say...
  46. M

    Electromagnetism question involving two stationary conductors and crossbars

    Homework Statement Question and diagram below Homework Equations F=BIL F=QVB Vback=(epsilon)-Ir The Attempt at a Solution F=QvB ma=QvB QvB/m=a ? I really don't know how to start this question.
  47. M

    Problem of electromagnetism

    Homework Statement Hello everybody. I have a big problem with this important problem that i can't solve and i have no solution ... A circularly polarized monochromatic wave is reflected from a dielectric mirror which has parameters μ and ε. Its wave vector is k = (k0, 2k0,0). Find the magnetic...
  48. S

    Electromagnetism Charged Sphere Q.

    Hey, I have a series of questions on a basic charged sphere and deriving quantities such as the infinitesimal charge, the total charge and the electric field. The question is part (b) in the image below: So I found dQ' by equating it to the surface area of a shell at a distance r'...
  49. S

    Electromagnetism, Poynting vector

    3 (a) ii) A time-dependent electric field in vacuum is given by ⃗E= E0(0, 0, sin(ky − ωt)) where E0 is a constant. Derive an expression for the corresponding magnetic field ⃗B. [7] Using curl E=-dB/dt I end up with B=(E0/c)sin(ky-wt) Show that both ⃗E and ⃗B are perpendicular to the wave...
  50. F

    Ignoring the sign of a charge in electromagnetism

    Homework Statement I just did a question on a charge moving relative to a stationary charge from an initial position x1 to a final position x2. I was under the impression that for questions involving coulombs law, and the equations for Electric Field Strength, Force and Potential we ignore any...
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