Issue w/ electric field definition

AI Thread Summary
An electric field is defined as the region surrounding electrically charged particles and time-varying magnetic fields. The necessity for time-varying fields relates to the principles of electromagnetic induction, as described by Faraday's law. Light is indeed a frequency of electromagnetic radiation, consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields at right angles to each other. However, a complete understanding of light also requires knowledge of quantum mechanics. The discussion suggests that the definition of electric fields could be more accurately stated with "or" instead of "and" to encompass both static and dynamic scenarios.
FOIWATER
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"an electric field is the region of space surrounding electrically charged particles and time-varying magnetic fields"

Why do the fields need to be time varying?

Additionally, if light is a frequency of electromagnetic radiation, and EM is made of magnetic and electric fields occurring at right angles to one another, is that what light is made up of? electric and magnetic fields?... obviously it's more complicated but what am I missing.
 
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you are missing quantum mechanics!

an electric field is a vector field of electric potential, and you get potential with charged particles. you also get potential with moving magnetic fields, as per faradays law (or is it amperes law?). i think the "and" in your quote could be replaced by "or" and retain its meaning.

as far as light goes, see this thread, or quantum theory
 
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