Electromagnetism

Electromagnetism is a branch of physics involving the study of the electromagnetic force, a type of physical interaction that occurs between electrically charged particles. The electromagnetic force is one of the four fundamental interactions in nature, the other three being the strong interaction, the weak interaction, and gravitation.

Overview

Electromagnetism is the force responsible for practically all the phenomena encountered in daily life, with the exception of gravity. Ordinary matter takes its form as a result of intermolecular forces between individual molecules in matter. Electromagnetism is also responsible for the chemical reactions which occur in chemical compounds.

History

The science of electromagnetism was developed over several centuries and was completed in its modern form by James Clerk Maxwell in the 19th century. Maxwell's equations describe how electric and magnetic fields interact to produce electromagnetic radiation, such as light.

Electromagnetic Force

The electromagnetic force is one of the four known fundamental forces. The other fundamental forces are the strong nuclear force, the weak nuclear force, and gravity. Of these four forces, the electromagnetic force is the one responsible for the interactions of charged particles.

Electromagnetic Fields

An electromagnetic field (also EMF or EM field) is a physical field produced by electrically charged objects. It affects the behavior of charged objects in the vicinity of the field.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation refers to the waves of the electromagnetic field, propagating (radiating) through space, carrying electromagnetic radiant energy. It includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, (visible) light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

See Also

• Electricity
• Magnetism
• Maxwell's equations
• Electromagnetic spectrum

References

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  Plasma globe demonstrating electric fields
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  Illustration from A Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism
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  Animation of right-handed circularly polarized light