Maxwell's Electromagnetic Theory
Claimed by Megan Sales
A general description of "A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field," proposed by Maxwell in 1865.
The Main Idea
Maxwell's theory proposed that electric and magnetic fields move as waves at the speed of light. This was the first time electricity, magnetism, and light had been related in such a way. The theory is also the source of the heavily used Maxwell Equations.
A Mathematical Model
Maxwell Equations:
A Computational Model
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Examples
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History
When James Clerk Maxwell came out with his paper, "A dynamical theory of the electromagnetic field," in 1865, it was found hard to understand and widely ignored. Even so, it is one of the most important pieces of theory in our history. He himself downplayed the importance of his theory, putting more emphasis on Kelvin's vortex theory during his own address. Furthermore, it was hard to grasp the concept of intangible fields. Scientists, including Maxwell, tried to picture fields as tangible structures, but to use these mechanical models with the Maxwell equations, they had to be exceedingly complicated. Later, other physicists such as Hertz, Lorentz, and Einstein clarified his theory.
When the paper first was written, it was read to the Royal Society. It was next read and reviewed by many other notable physicists, all prior to its publication. Even once it was published, very few copies were produced.
There were originally 20 equations. These were reduced by Heaviside into 8 equations, and these later became the four equations we are familiar with.
See also
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Further reading
The theory itself:
http://www.ymambrini.com/My_World/History_files/maxwell_emf_1865.pdf