Does a Changing Electric Field Create a Magnetic Field?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between changing electric fields and the creation of magnetic fields, focusing on the conditions under which each can occur. Participants are exploring concepts from electromagnetism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining whether a moving charge or a changing electric field can create a magnetic field. There are inquiries into the relationship between electric and magnetic fields, with some questioning the distinction between varying electric and magnetic fields.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their thoughts on the implications of changing electric fields and their connection to magnetic fields. Some have offered insights into the behavior of charges in relation to electric fields, while others are considering the broader implications of Maxwell's equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of electromagnetic theory, with references to specific scenarios such as charging a capacitor and the behavior of alternating versus direct current. There is an acknowledgment of the need for further clarification on the relationships involved.

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Creating Magnetic Field

Homework Statement



Which of the following that creates a magnetic field?

A. A moving charge
B. An electric field that changes with time.
C. Both of them.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


A is definitely correct, I wonder if B is correct as well. I can not figure out their relation(electric field and magnetic field). If possible, please provide me a formula.

Thanks a lot for your help:D
 
Last edited:
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When you think back through your course, do you vary the electric field to generate a magnetic one or do you vary the magnetic field to generate an electric one?

I think this is the distinction they are looking for.
 
I believe B will also create a magnetic field perpendicular to the electric field. Here is my logic:

* When there is an alternating electric field, charges will change position to keep up with the polarity which is same with the condition a.
* As example: Assume you are charging a capacitor with AC; your capacitor will definitely drain current in steady state. But in DC case capacitor will only drain current at the time in between zero voltage on capacitor and DC voltage on capacitor.

You know the formula of the capacitor

I= C* dv/dt

So you know the relation between the current and the magnetic field: Or so to say the maxwell equations:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_field#Maxwell.27s_equations
 
The presence of a time-changing E does imply something about charges moving and so it would be accompanied by a magnetic field ... does that fit in with the level that the question is being asked?

That's the trick with these things.
 
Thanks. I think I can get on with that explanation:D The electric field change due to charge movement.
 

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