Electromagnetism

Electromagnetism is the physics of the electromagnetic field. This is a field, encompassing all of space, composed of mutually dependent time varying electric and magnetic fields. The term "electromagnetism" comes from the fact that the electric and magnetic fields are closely intertwined, and, under most circumstances, it is impossible to consider the two separately.

Overview

The electric field can be produced by stationary electric charges, and gives rise to the electric force, which causes static electricity and drives the flow of electric charge in electrical conductors. The magnetic field can be produced by the motion of electric charges, such as an electric current flowing along a wire, and gives rise to the magnetic force one associates with magnets. A changing magnetic field gives rise to an electric field; this is the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction, which underlies the operation of electrical generators, induction motors, and transformers. The term electrodynamics is sometimes used to refer to the combination of electromagnetism with mechanics and deals with the effects of the electromagnetic field on the dynamic behavior of electrically charged particles.

Related Topics:
Electric charge - Force - Static electricity - Electrical conductors - Magnet - Electromagnetic induction - Electrical generator - Induction motor - Transformer - Mechanics

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~