What is a magnetic field made of

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of magnetic fields, specifically what they are composed of. Participants explore various theoretical perspectives, including quantum physics and classical electromagnetism, while addressing the complexities involved in understanding these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that magnetic fields are made of energy, specifically as photon fields according to modern physics.
  • Others argue that magnetic fields can be understood as relativistic electric fields and that the electromagnetic field can be quantized as a photon field, suggesting the presence of virtual photons.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the relationship between photons and magnetic fields, noting that photons travel at a constant velocity.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of foundational knowledge in electromagnetism and relativity before delving into advanced explanations, recommending a structured approach to learning the subject.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views regarding the composition of magnetic fields, and the discussion remains unresolved with no consensus reached on the matter.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of the topic, with limitations in participants' assumptions and varying levels of understanding of electromagnetism and relativity. There is also a noted dependence on foundational knowledge, which may affect interpretations of the concepts discussed.

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i want to know more about magnetic fields and what their made of
 
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According to modern physics, magnetic (and electric) fields are photon fields, therefore magnetic fields are made out of energy.
 
Magnetic fields are just relativistic electric fields. And quantum electrodynamics says that the electromagnetic field can be quantized as a photon field. I guess you could say the field is made out of virtual photons (though I wouldn't quite put it that way).
 
I was wondering that too. Some people with particle phyics knowledge told me that it is made up of photons, confusing me further, as i have read somewhere that photons move with a constant velocity
 
If you are really interested in learning about magnetic fields you need to start at the beginning. It just does not make sense to start with the explanations provided by relativity, when the beginner has no idea of either electromagnetism or relativity.

Unfortunately there is no 2 sentence, or even 2 page explanation which can do the subject justice. I would recommend that you find a used copy of something like Halliday & Resnick. Start at the beginning of the Electromagnetism section and read carefully. If you do not have a math background which includes calculus then you may find the reading difficult.
 

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