Do stationary electric fields have a magnetic field too?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between stationary electric fields and magnetic fields, exploring concepts in electromagnetism, including the conditions under which electric and magnetic fields exist and their interactions. Participants examine both classical and quantum perspectives on these phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that a static electric field does not generate a magnetic field, and vice versa.
  • Others argue that a magnetic field can arise from moving charges, which inherently have an associated electric field.
  • One participant questions the existence of a static magnetic field, suggesting that it must be linked to a moving charge and thus an electric field.
  • Another participant mentions that a bar magnet has a stationary magnetic field due to the motion of electrons within it.
  • There is a proposal that the electric field associated with a bar magnet is effectively zero due to the cancellation of electric fields from electrons and protons.
  • A later reply introduces a quantum perspective, discussing how electrons create different magnetic fields based on their motion and spin, which may contribute to the overall magnetic field of a bar magnet.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between electric and magnetic fields, with no consensus reached on whether a static electric field can coexist with a magnetic field or the implications of electron motion in these contexts.

Contextual Notes

Some arguments depend on specific definitions of static and dynamic fields, and the discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of charges and fields that remain unresolved.

jlyu002@ucr.e
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I know that a magnetic field will have an electric field bc there is charges, and they are moving.

Thanks physicsforums!
 
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A static [not changing with respect to time] electric field does not have a magnetic field. Similarly, a static magnetic field does not have an electric field.
 
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How can there be a static magnetic field when it is due to a moving charge. A charge will always have an electric field. Therefore, I think that the magnetic field will always be associated with an electric field, but an electric field will depend if the source charge is moving. Any thoughts on my analysis Chronos?
 
Think how a bar magnet has a stationary magnetic field due to electrons moving in its material.
 
Will this mean that the bar magnet also has an efield due to the electrons? And thus, will the direction of E field be radially moving inwards, and the magnetic field will be moving around north and south?
 
jlyu002@ucr.e said:
Will this mean that the bar magnet also has an efield due to the electrons? And thus, will the direction of E field be radially moving inwards, and the magnetic field will be moving around north and south?

The e-field of the bar magnet is practically zero because the e-field due to electrons is practically canceled by the e-field due to protons which are equally and positevely charged.
 
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Ahhh thanks that makes sense!
 
What is the Quantum Scenario of these phenomenon.Because in classical sense an electron while circling around nucleus as well as due to spin on its own axis will create two different magnetic fields.Alignment of the first type according to a theory gives rise to fields combining to give field of bar magnet.
 

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