Are Electric and Magnetic Fields Always Perpendicular?

Thread starter janrain
Start date Jan 24, 2004
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Electric Fields Magnetic Magnetic fields

AI Thread Summary

The equation Curl E = - (partial derivative of B with respect to t) does not imply that electric field E and magnetic field B are always perpendicular. The discussion clarifies that while E and B can be perpendicular, this is not a universal condition. The relationship is confirmed by the expression \vec E \cdot \vec B = 0, indicating that the two fields are at 90 degrees to each other under certain conditions. However, this does not hold true in all scenarios, particularly when considering time-dependent fields. Thus, E and B are not necessarily always perpendicular.

Jan 24, 2004

janrain

Does the following equation mean that electric field E and magnetic field B are always perpendicular??
the equation is:
Curl E = - (partial derivative of B with respect to t)
where E is time dependent too.

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Jan 24, 2004

nbo10

The simple answer is, No.

JMD

Jan 24, 2004

janrain

right...thank you

Jan 24, 2004

nbo10

\vec E \cdot \vec B = 0

say's E & B are 90 degrees to each other.

JMD

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