Magnetic field and electrical fields

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between changing magnetic and electric fields, as well as the origin and cause of magnetic fields. The speaker also references a talk that explains how electromagnetic fields are formed and how they work in different dimensional spaces. The calculation of magnetic force is described using tensors, although the speaker admits to not fully understanding this approach.
  • #1
nnope
57
6
Can someone please explain to me why, a changing magnetic field can produce an electric field and a changing electrical field can produce a magnetic field. Also how do magnetic fields originate, what causes them?
 
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  • #2
nnope said:
Can someone please explain to me why, a changing magnetic field can produce an electric field and a changing electrical field can produce a magnetic field. Also how do magnetic fields originate, what causes them?

http://physics.weber.edu/schroeder/mrr/MRRtalk.html

This talk describes how an electromagnetic field is the direct result of electric charge plus special relativity. (Permanent magnets are much harder to explain.) This shows that electromagnetism is essentially two-dimensional. It works the same in all Minkowski spaces with dimension of 2+1 or more.

To calculate the magnetic force between a current flowing in a straight wire and a free charge in standard 3+1 space, do the following. Determine the plane defined by the line of the straight wire and the location of the free charge. Project the velocity vector of the free charge onto that plane. Rotate 90 degrees, depending on the direction of motion and the signs of the charges involved. The resulting vector shows the acceleration on the free charge due to the magnetic field.

The magnitude of the magnetic field vector is proportional to the dot product of free charge and the velocity vector of the charge in the wire.

All this has been known for decades. It seems that the most elegant way to calculate these things is with tensors, which I may or may not someday understand.
 

What is a magnetic field?

A magnetic field is a region in space around a magnet or a moving electric charge where the magnetic force is exerted. It is also known as a vector field because it has both magnitude and direction.

What is an electrical field?

An electrical field is a region in space around an electric charge where the electric force is exerted. Similar to a magnetic field, it is also a vector field with both magnitude and direction.

How are magnetic fields and electrical fields related?

Magnetic fields and electrical fields are closely related because they are both part of the electromagnetic force, one of the four fundamental forces in nature. Changes in one field can create the other, and they can also interact with each other.

What are some common sources of magnetic fields and electrical fields?

Magnetic fields can be generated by permanent magnets, electromagnets, and moving electric charges. Electrical fields can be generated by electrically charged objects, such as batteries and power lines.

What are some real-life applications of magnetic fields and electrical fields?

Magnetic fields are used in many everyday devices, such as motors, generators, speakers, and MRI machines. Electrical fields are used in electronics, telecommunications, and power generation and distribution. Both fields are also used in various industrial and manufacturing processes.

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