How Fast Does a Magnetic Field Propagate?

AI Thread Summary
Magnetic fields propagate at the speed of light, regardless of the medium, whether in a vacuum or through air. The strength of the magnet does not affect the propagation speed of the magnetic field. A standing magnetic field is considered a relativistic phenomenon rather than a force field akin to gravity. For a deeper understanding, Maxwell's equations and Relativistic Electrodynamics provide essential insights. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the consistent speed of magnetic field propagation and its theoretical underpinnings.
mordechai9
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How fast does the magnetic field propagate from a magnetic source? In a vacuum versus through air, etc.? Does the magnetic field propagate faster from a stronger magnet?

What is the makeup of a standing magnetic field? Electromagnetic waves or a force field more similar to gravity?
 
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mordechai9 said:
Electromagnetic waves or a force field more similar to gravity?

I can only say that both electromagnetic waves and gravity fields move at the speed of light.

i.e. If the sun suddenly stopped existing, the Earth would begin to get out of its orbit at the the same moment it became dark. (About 8 minutes)
 
That's not really an answer to the question whatsoever...
 
Yes it is. Magnetic fields move at the speed of light.
 
mordechai9 said:
How fast does the magnetic field propagate from a magnetic source?
See above.
In a vacuum versus through air, etc.?
What does that mean ? It's not even a sentence.

Does the magnetic field propagate faster from a stronger magnet?
No.

What is the makeup of a standing magnetic field?
Don't know.
Electromagnetic waves or a force field more similar to gravity?
Magnetic fields are relativistic apparitions. You can usually transform them away. So not at all like gravity.

That's not really an answer to the question whatsoever...
Not polite.

Look up Maxwell's equations and Relativistic Electrodynamics on Wiki.
 

Thread 'Why measure the speed of light in one direction?'

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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