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
Gold Member
Messages
434
Reaction score
12
"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.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
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
 

Thread 'Why does the amperage go real high if there is a low voltage short?'

I used to be an HVAC technician. One time I had a service call in which there was no power to the thermostat. The thermostat did not have power because the fuse in the air handler was blown. The fuse in the air handler was blown because there was a low voltage short. The rubber coating on one of the thermostat wires was chewed off by a rodent. The exposed metal in the thermostat wire was touching the metal cabinet of the air handler. This was a low voltage short. This low voltage...
View full post »

Thread 'How might electronics be different if AC voltage was 72V at 45 Hz?'

Hey guys. I have a question related to electricity and alternating current. Say an alien fictional society developed electricity, and settled on a standard like 73V AC current at 46 Hz. How would appliances be designed, and what impact would the lower frequency and voltage have on transformers, wiring, TVs, computers, LEDs, motors, and heating, assuming the laws of physics and technology are the same as on Earth?
View full post »
Thread 'Electromagnet magnetic field issue'

Thread 'Electromagnet magnetic field issue'

Hi Guys We are a bunch a mechanical engineers trying to build a simple electromagnet. Our design is based on a very similar magnet. However, our version is about 10 times less magnetic and we are wondering why. Our coil has exactly same length, same number of layers and turns. What is possibly wrong? PIN and bracket are made of iron and are in electrical contact, exactly like the reference design. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks. edit: even same wire diameter and coil was wounded by a...
View full post »

Similar threads

Electromagnet magnetic field issue
Replies
27
Views
476
I Does a time varying magnetic field in vacuum produce electric field or not?
Replies
7
Views
1K
Maxwell's Equations: How E and B Fields Interact
Replies
6
Views
2K
EMF (Electromagnetic Field) & EHS (Electromagnetic Hyper Sensitivity)
Replies
3
Views
182
What Is the Electric Field Inside a Solenoid with Time-Varying Current?
Replies
5
Views
4K
Does a linearly time varying B create changing E?
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Brownian motion of charged particles?
Replies
8
Views
2K
Induced Electrical Field (Maxwell-Faraday's Law)
Replies
4
Views
2K
I How Do Time-Varying Currents in Conductors Generate EM Fields and Waves?
Replies
3
Views
1K
How would you make usable electricity before it's invented?
Replies
18
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top