The discussion revolves around the nature of static electric fields, their creation, propagation, and their relationship with electromagnetic waves. Participants explore theoretical aspects and clarify concepts related to electrostatics and electromagnetism.
There is disagreement regarding the propagation of the electrostatic field, with some participants suggesting it propagates while others assert it simply exists without propagation.
The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of electric fields and their propagation, which may depend on interpretations of Maxwell's equations and definitions of static versus dynamic fields.
Thanks, I think I got it.jtbell said:Actually, the electrostatic field doesn't propagate. It simply exists. What propagates are changes in the electric (and magnetic) field, and these propagate at speed c in vacuum according to Maxwell's equations. An electromagnetic wave is simply a periodic change in electric and magnetic fields, which also propagates at speed c.