Electric Field Confusion: Explaining E=-∇V & E=-∇V-∂A/∂t

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The discussion centers on the equations E=-∇V and E=-∇V-∂A/∂t, which describe electric fields in different contexts. The first equation applies to electrostatics, indicating a conservative electric field with a vanishing curl. The second equation incorporates the time-varying vector potential A, relevant in electrodynamics where electric and magnetic fields change over time. Participants clarify that understanding these concepts typically requires a background in electromagnetic theory. The conversation highlights the distinction between static and dynamic electric fields.
Isaac0427
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Hi all! I know that this might be a stupid question, but I am very confused about a particular aspect of the electric field. I have seen these equations:
E=-∇V and E=-∇V-∂A/∂t
Could you guys explain how the electric field can be explained with or without -∂A/∂t
 
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The first is for electrostatic case where the electric field is a conservative field (its curl vanishes), the second is in the case of electrodynamics where both electric and magnetic fields are changing with time. Have you taken EM course?
 
blue_leaf77 said:
The first is for electrostatic case where the electric field is a conservative field (its curl vanishes), the second is in the case of electrodynamics where both electric and magnetic fields are changing with time. Have you taken EM course?
Thanks, and no I havent.
 
It may be shown from the equations of electromagnetism, by James Clerk Maxwell in the 1860’s, that the speed of light in the vacuum of free space is related to electric permittivity (ϵ) and magnetic permeability (μ) by the equation: c=1/√( μ ϵ ) . This value is a constant for the vacuum of free space and is independent of the motion of the observer. It was this fact, in part, that led Albert Einstein to Special Relativity.

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