Electromagnetism Basics

Electromagnetism

Overview

• Electromagnetism is a fundamental physical phenomenon that describes the interaction between electrically charged particles and the electromagnetic force, one of the four fundamental forces of nature.
• It is a unified theory that combines electricity and magnetism, showing that they are two sides of the same coin.

Electric Charge

• Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter, and it can be positive or negative.
• Like charges repel each other, while opposite charges attract each other.
• The unit of electric charge is the coulomb (C).

Electric Field

• An electric field is a region around a charged particle where the force of the electric field can be detected.
• It is a vector field that surrounds charged particles, and its strength is measured in units of newtons per coulomb (N/C).
• Electric field lines emerge from positive charges and enter negative charges.

Electric Potential

• Electric potential, also known as voltage, is the potential energy per unit charge at a given point in an electric field.
• It is measured in units of volts (V).
• Electric potential difference, or voltage difference, is the difference in electric potential between two points.

Magnetic Fields

• A magnetic field is a region around a current-carrying wire or a magnet where the force of the magnetic field can be detected.
• It is a vector field that surrounds current-carrying wires and magnets, and its strength is measured in units of teslas (T).
• Magnetic field lines emerge from the north pole and enter the south pole of a magnet.

Electromagnetic Induction

• Electromagnetic induction is the process by which a changing magnetic field induces an electric field.
• It is the principle behind many electric devices, including generators, motors, and transformers.
• Faraday's law of induction states that the induced electromotive force (EMF) is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux.

Electromagnetic Waves

• Electromagnetic waves are waves that propagate through the electromagnetic field and can transmit energy through space.
• They are characterized by their frequency, wavelength, and speed, which is equal to the speed of light (c = 299,792,458 m/s).
• Electromagnetic waves include radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, and X-rays.

Applications of Electromagnetism

• Electromagnetism has numerous applications in technology, including:
  • Electrical power generation and distribution
  • Electronic devices and circuits
  • Communication systems (e.g., radio, television, internet)
  • Medical imaging (e.g., MRI, CT scans)
  • Particle accelerators and high-energy physics research

Electromagnetism

Overview

• Electromagnetism describes the interaction between electrically charged particles and the electromagnetic force, one of the four fundamental forces of nature.
• It's a unified theory combining electricity and magnetism, showing they are two sides of the same coin.

Electric Charge

• Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter, and it can be positive or negative.
• Like charges repel each other, while opposite charges attract each other.
• The unit of electric charge is the coulomb (C).

Electric Field

• An electric field is a region around a charged particle where the force of the electric field can be detected.
• It's a vector field that surrounds charged particles, and its strength is measured in units of newtons per coulomb (N/C).
• Electric field lines emerge from positive charges and enter negative charges.

Electric Potential

• Electric potential, also known as voltage, is the potential energy per unit charge at a given point in an electric field.
• It's measured in units of volts (V).
• Electric potential difference, or voltage difference, is the difference in electric potential between two points.

Magnetic Fields

• A magnetic field is a region around a current-carrying wire or a magnet where the force of the magnetic field can be detected.
• It's a vector field that surrounds current-carrying wires and magnets, and its strength is measured in units of teslas (T).
• Magnetic field lines emerge from the north pole and enter the south pole of a magnet.

Electromagnetic Induction

• Electromagnetic induction is the process by which a changing magnetic field induces an electric field.
• It's the principle behind many electric devices, including generators, motors, and transformers.
• Faraday's law of induction states that the induced electromotive force (EMF) is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux.

Electromagnetic Waves

• Electromagnetic waves are waves that propagate through the electromagnetic field and can transmit energy through space.
• They are characterized by their frequency, wavelength, and speed, which is equal to the speed of light (c = 299,792,458 m/s).
• Electromagnetic waves include radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, and X-rays.

Applications of Electromagnetism

• Electromagnetism has numerous applications in technology, including:
• Electrical power generation and distribution
• Electronic devices and circuits
• Communication systems (e.g., radio, television, internet)
• Medical imaging (e.g., MRI, CT scans)
• Particle accelerators and high-energy physics research