How Fast Does a Magnetic Field Propagate?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the propagation speed of magnetic fields from magnetic sources, comparing their behavior in different mediums such as vacuum and air. Participants also explore the nature of standing magnetic fields and whether they resemble electromagnetic waves or gravitational fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the speed of magnetic field propagation and whether it varies with the strength of the magnet.
  • Another participant asserts that both electromagnetic waves and gravitational fields propagate at the speed of light, using the example of the sun's disappearance to illustrate this point.
  • A different participant challenges the relevance of the previous response, suggesting it does not adequately address the original question.
  • One participant states definitively that magnetic fields move at the speed of light.
  • Another participant reiterates the original questions and expresses confusion over the phrasing of one of the responses, while also asserting that the magnetic field does not propagate faster from a stronger magnet.
  • There is a claim that magnetic fields are relativistic phenomena that can be transformed away, distinguishing them from gravitational fields.
  • A suggestion is made to consult Maxwell's equations and Relativistic Electrodynamics for further understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of magnetic fields and their propagation speed, with no consensus reached on the relationship between magnetic field strength and propagation speed. The discussion remains unresolved with competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of magnetic fields and their comparison to gravitational fields are not fully explored. The discussion also reflects varying levels of clarity in the phrasing of questions and responses.

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.
 

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