Electromagnetic Field in Empty Space

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the existence of electric fields in empty space, particularly in the absence of charges. Participants explore the implications of electromagnetic fields, the definitions of electric fields, and the relationship between charges and fields in both theoretical and practical contexts.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that an electric field can exist in empty space even without charges, suggesting a quantum property of space-time.
  • Others argue that if there are no charges in the universe, there would be no electric field, but acknowledge that charges elsewhere can create fields in regions without direct charges.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their professor's explanation, indicating a need for clarification on the concept of fields being present mathematically even when their strength is zero.
  • It is noted that while the electric field is defined everywhere, its strength is zero in the absence of charges, leading to the idea that a field can be "mathematically" present but not "real" until a charge interacts with it.
  • Another point raised is that any movement of electric charges will generate a magnetic field, which propagates through empty space, indicating a dynamic relationship between electric and magnetic fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence and nature of electric fields in empty space, with no consensus reached on the implications of these fields or the interpretation of the professor's statements.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the definitions of electric fields, the implications of fields being zero, and the relationship between electric and magnetic fields in the context of classical physics.

Arman777
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Our Professor said there will be still an electric field in empty space even without charges.Hows that possible.Space-time has a some quantum property that acts like this ?
 
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If there are no charges at all in the whole universe, there won't be an electric field. But there are charges in the universe. You have an electric field even in regions without charges due to charges elsewhere.
 
I know but he meant something else ..
 
mfb said:
If there are no charges at all in the whole universe, there won't be an electric field. But there are charges in the universe. You have an electric field even in regions without charges due to charges elsewhere.
He said aomething like this.there's electric fields or some field and ıf charge comes there like a there's one It disturbs the field.And makes our normal things it was something like that I don't quite remember
 
You may have misunderstood your instructor. I would ask him or her for clarification directly.
 
Dale said:
You may have misunderstood your instructor. I would ask him or her for clarification directly.

Ok I will
 
Well, technically "the electric field" is defined everywhere in space even without charges. Its strength is zero in that case. Usually this is called "no field", although mathematically the field is there.
 
mfb said:
Well, technically "the electric field" is defined everywhere in space even without charges. Its strength is zero in that case. Usually this is called "no field", although mathematically the field is there.
Make sense then...So ıf there's no charge in space-time its just there but "mathematically"
If we put a charge in space time charge makes a electric field so it become "real" ?
 
If we have charges somewhere, the value of the field becomes non-zero.

A field that is zero everywhere doesn't do anything, at least in classical physics.
 
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  • #10
mfb said:
If we have charges somewhere, the value of the field becomes non-zero.

A field that is zero everywhere doesn't do anything, at least in classical physics.

I see..Thanks
 
  • #11
Any movement of electric charges somewhere, will result in a magnetic field due to the current flow and a change in the local electric fields. Those E and M fields will propagate outwards at the speed of light through empty space. Energy is being radiated in the direction of wave propagation.
 

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