What Are the Differences Between B, H, D, E in Physics and Types of Magnets?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the differences between the electric and magnetic field quantities E, D, B, and H, as well as the distinctions between permanent magnets and electromagnetic poles. Participants explore theoretical concepts and seek clarification on these topics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants define E as electric field intensity and D as electric flux density, noting that D represents the state of polarization retained by a dielectric when the external E field is removed.
  • Others explain that H is the magnetic field intensity and B is the magnetic flux density, with ferromagnetic materials retaining magnetic polarization when H is reduced to zero.
  • One participant suggests that the distinction between E and D, as well as B and H, may not be significant at the microscopic level, arguing that they represent the same electromagnetic field, albeit with different dimensions in SI units.
  • Several participants recommend various textbooks on electromagnetism for deeper understanding, including works by Sommerfeld, Becker, Feynman, Landau/Lifgarbage, and Jackson, while noting that some texts may be too advanced for beginners.
  • One participant expresses a desire to understand the physical meaning of the parameters rather than the mathematical approach, seeking resources that focus on conceptual understanding.
  • A later reply questions the meaning of "aka electric displacement" and indicates a lack of understanding regarding the differences between the terms discussed.
  • Another participant requests links to the recommended lectures, indicating a need for accessible resources.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the differences between E, D, B, and H, with some definitions and interpretations being contested. There is no consensus on the best approach to understanding these concepts, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the limitations of the definitions and the context in which these quantities are applied, particularly in relation to the microscopic versus macroscopic descriptions of electromagnetic fields.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and enthusiasts seeking to understand the fundamental concepts of electromagnetism and the distinctions between different field quantities, as well as those looking for recommended resources for further study.

klmnopq
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1-What's the difference in Magenetic between B,H or in electric between D,E?

2-what's permanent magnet and how it differ from electromagnetic pole?
 
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E is electric field intensity. D is electric flux density, aka electric displacement. If an E field is present in a dielectric, then the external source of E field reduced to zero, the dielectric will retain a state of polarization, called "D". Energy is stored in the dielectric.

A similar scenario takes place with ferromagnetic material. H is the magnetic field intensity. When H is reduced to zero, the ferrous material retains magnetic polarization & energy. The magnetic flux density is "B".

A good e/m fields text goes into detail with the math. I recommend peer-reviewed textbooks, & university web sites. Avoid web sites not peer reviewed. Many of these sites are kept by people who are just pretenders, want to be's, hackers, & know-nothings, seeking an audience. They will only confuse you.

Claude
 
Good textbooks on electromagnetism are

A. Sommerfeld, Lectures on Theoretical Physics, Vol. III
R. Becker, The classical Theory of Electricity and Magnetism

Although somewhat older they give a very concise treatment of Maxwell's theory, including the relativistic point of view, without which electromagnetism is not understandable and many even newer textbooks get their readers confused when it comes to electromagnetic fields in moving media.

Also very illuminating and more uptodate is volume 2 of the Feynman Lectures.

From the very beginning relativistic and thus very good from a physical point of view is volume 2 of Landau/Lifgarbages's textbooks on theoretical physics. It's perhaps a bit too advanced for undergraduates or beginners in E+M. The same is true for "the bible" on the subject, which is very comprehensive, namely Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics.

A very good book, using very powerful but unconventional mathematical techniques is the textbook by J. Schwinger, Classical Electrodynamics.
 
cabraham said:
E is electric field intensity. D is electric flux density, aka electric displacement. If an E field is present in a dielectric, then the external source of E field reduced to zero, the dielectric will retain a state of polarization, called "D". Energy is stored in the dielectric.
A similar scenario takes place with ferromagnetic material. H is the magnetic field intensity. When H is reduced to zero, the ferrous material retains magnetic polarization & energy. The magnetic flux density is "B".
A good e/m fields text goes into detail with the math. I recommend peer-reviewed textbooks, & university web sites. Avoid web sites not peer reviewed. Many of these sites are kept by people who are just pretenders, want to be's, hackers, & know-nothings, seeking an audience. They will only confuse you.
Claude
thanks very much for replay
but I wonder what you mean by (aka electric displacement)
and I also haven't understand the difference


vanhees71 said:
Good textbooks on electromagnetism are

A. Sommerfeld, Lectures on Theoretical Physics, Vol. III
R. Becker, The classical Theory of Electricity and Magnetism

Although somewhat older they give a very concise treatment of Maxwell's theory, including the relativistic point of view, without which electromagnetism is not understandable and many even newer textbooks get their readers confused when it comes to electromagnetic fields in moving media.

Also very illuminating and more uptodate is volume 2 of the Feynman Lectures.

From the very beginning relativistic and thus very good from a physical point of view is volume 2 of Landau/Lifgarbages's textbooks on theoretical physics. It's perhaps a bit too advanced for undergraduates or beginners in E+M. The same is true for "the bible" on the subject, which is very comprehensive, namely Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics.

A very good book, using very powerful but unconventional mathematical techniques is the textbook by J. Schwinger, Classical Electrodynamics.
thanks very much.
I need not the mathematatical approach ( equations ) I need to sense the meaning of parameters and depth of Electric & magnetic not math...

I need to understand the meaning and physically

what you choose to me to read?
 
Then you should read the Feynman Lectures. There also the right interpretation of the macroscopic fields [itex]\vec{D}[/itex] and [itex]\vec{H}[/itex] is given. In the vacuum and generally on the microscopic level of description it doesn't make sense to distinguish between [itex](\vec{E},\vec{B})[/itex] and [itex](\vec{D},\vec{H})[/itex]. Only because of the somewhat unnatural choice of units in the SI they have different dimension (in fact, even [itex]\vec{E}[/itex] and [itex]\vec{B}[/itex] have different dimension in the SI!), but they are just the one and only electromagnetic field on the microscopic level of description.

In matter [itex](\vec{D},\vec{H})[/itex] are derived quantities for an effective theory of electromagnetic fields in matter and are valid within the limitations of the applied approximation (which is, from a microscopic point of view linear response theory for appropriately coarse-grained fields and sources (charges and currents, including magnetization if necessary)).
 
where can I get this lectures? Have links?
 

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