How Are Electric Forces Related to Electromagnetic Waves?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between electric forces and electromagnetic waves, exploring the nature of electricity, magnetism, and their interconnections. Participants examine theoretical concepts, the mechanics of charged particles, and the implications of oscillatory motion in electric fields.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that electric forces are the fundamental cause of electricity and magnetism, while electromagnetic waves are a manifestation of these forces.
  • Others propose that electromagnetic waves arise from the oscillatory motion of charged particles, suggesting that this motion is linked to the speed limit of light.
  • A participant describes how the movement of one electron can influence another electron's motion, drawing an analogy with pushing a book across a table.
  • Questions are raised about how oscillations in the electrostatic field interact with particles, such as in the case of infrared rays heating objects.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the perpendicular oscillation of electric and magnetic forces in electromagnetic waves.
  • A later reply suggests that the magnetic force is a relativistic correction to the electrostatic force, indicating a more complex relationship that may require an understanding of special relativity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the fundamental nature of the relationship between electric forces and electromagnetic waves, with multiple competing views and ongoing questions about the underlying mechanisms.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on specific definitions of electric and magnetic forces, and the discussion includes unresolved questions about the interaction of oscillating fields with particles.

TheTankEngine
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Ive heard it said that electricity and megnetism are brought about by electromagnetic waves, but arent electric forces the cause of the other 2?
 
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Electricity and magnetism are brought about by the electrostatic force. The electromagnetic wave is a permutation in the electrostatic force.
 
the wave is caused by alternating motion of charged particles because light, or the electrostatic force, has a speed limit, right?
 
TheTankEngine said:
the wave is caused by alternating motion of charged particles because light, or the electrostatic force, has a speed limit, right?

Not because light has a speed limit. The wave is the oscillatory perpendicular motion of the electron.

If the electron is pushing on another electron and it starts to move perpendicular to the force so does the other electron. You can test this by pushing a book across your table, and at the same time move your hand perpendicular to the direction of force, the book will move perpendicular as well.

So since an electron exerts a force on all other charged particles, if it moves up and down perpendicular to the direction of force, so do all other charged particles.

Electrons are in a potential when they are part of an atom, so oscillatory motion is common which creates a wave in the force field.
 
thanks, i think this is the last one:
how does this oscillation of an electrostatic field interact with particles? ex. infrared rays heating things
 
i also don't get why an electromagnetic wave is considered electric and magnetic forces oscilating perpindicular to each other.
by the way, can you tell me where you learned and where i might learn online?
 
here, the best thing you can do for me is to tell me what the theory is called, the way you explain it, thanks!
 
TheTankEngine said:
i also don't get why an electromagnetic wave is considered electric and magnetic forces oscilating perpindicular to each other.
by the way, can you tell me where you learned and where i might learn online?

The magnetic force is only a relativistic correction to the electrostatic force, in other words it is the same field. It is a bit complicated to explain why it appears to be a different field without taking special relativity first though.

I recommend you start here:

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-02-electricity-and-magnetism-spring-2002/video-lectures/
 

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