How exactly does a current create a magnetic field and vice versa?

AI Thread Summary
A current creates a magnetic field due to the principles of electromagnetism, which are explained by relativity. The relationship between electric and magnetic fields is complex, and while the right-hand rule helps predict their orientation, the underlying reasons for these phenomena remain largely unknown. Despite our understanding of how magnetism and electric fields interact, the fundamental cause of magnetism is still a mystery. Science tends to focus on describing observable effects rather than providing definitive explanations for their existence. Ultimately, the nature of magnetism and its relationship with electric fields continues to provoke inquiry and debate.
jaydnul
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And why is it parallel? Do we actually know what causes magnetism at all?
 
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Relativity is an explanation of what happens, and is as good a one as we have.
But you can always ask 'why does it work that way?? ' Why does a moving charge withrelative motion create a magnetic field...why do magnetic and elertic fileds exist at all??

nobody knows...but THAT is what happens in this universe...
science almost always explains what happens not why...

we know the 'right hand rule' works but that doesn't mean we really know why...nor why the electric and magnetic field vectors are perpendicular...
 

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Thread 'Applying the Gauss (1835) formula for force between 2 parallel DC currents'

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Please can anyone either:- (1) point me to a derivation of the perpendicular force (Fy) between two very long parallel wires carrying steady currents utilising the formula of Gauss for the force F along the line r between 2 charges? Or alternatively (2) point out where I have gone wrong in my method? I am having problems with calculating the direction and magnitude of the force as expected from modern (Biot-Savart-Maxwell-Lorentz) formula. Here is my method and results so far:- This...
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