Fields & Potentials: Electromagnetism Explained

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Fields in electromagnetism are defined as areas of influence created by charged bodies, where the electromagnetic force can be detected. Potentials are related to energy levels within these fields, indicating how much energy an object would have at different positions. For instance, gravitational potential varies based on an object's distance from the Earth, with different energy levels at different locations. The unit of potential, such as J/kg for gravitational potential and J/C for electrical potential, helps clarify these concepts. Understanding fields and potentials is essential for grasping the principles of electromagnetism.
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What exactly are they? CAn you maybe explain it 2 me in terms of electromagnetism. I am a bit unsure what each of them actually are
 
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In simple terms a Field is an 'area of influence' around a body. A charge, for example sets up a field around it - an area where the charge can be 'felt' (by bodies that feel the Electromagnetic force).

Potentials are related to Energy. In a field, different positions would give an object placed there, different amounts of energy. For exampmle a body on the Earth's surface will have a different amount of GPE than a body a million miles away from the Earth. The unit of Potential helps explain the concept - J/kg for a gravitational potential, and J/C for Electrical potential.

You can think of the Gravitational Potential of a point as being the work that would be done in moving unit mass from infinity to that point. Similarly with electric potential - this is the work that would be done in moving unit charge from infinity to that point.
 
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