Electromagnetism

Electromagnetism is a branch of physics that deals with electromagnetic forces between charged particles. It is one of the four fundamental forces and is responsible for phenomena such as electric and magnetic fields. The electromagnetic force is a combination of electric and magnetic forces that can be either attractive or repulsive. It is mediated by electromagnetic fields and is the underlying cause of many technologies like electric motors and generators that operate based on electromagnetic principles.

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Electromagnetism

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susan pajarillo

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Electromagnetism

Electromagnetism is a branch of Physics, that deals with the electromagnetic force that occurs
between electrically charged particles. The electromagnetic force is one of the four fundamental
forces and exhibits electromagnetic fields such as magnetic fields, electric fields, and light. It is
the basic reason electrons bound to the nucleus and responsible for the complete structure of the
nucleus.

What is Electromagnetic Force?

The electromagnetic force is a type of physical interaction that occurs between electrically
charged particles. It acts between charged particles and is the combination of all magnetic and
electrical forces. The electromagnetic force can be attractive or repulsive.
Before the invention of electromagnetism, people or scientists used to think electricity and
magnetism are two different topics. The view has changed after James Clerk Maxwell
published A Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism in the year 1873. The publication states that
the interaction of positive and negative charges are mediated by one force. This observation laid
a foundation for Electromagnetism. Later many scientists like Michael Faraday, Oliver
Heaviside, and Heinrich Hertz contributed their ideas in electromagnetism.

What is Electromagnetism?
Electromagnetism is a process where a magnetic field is created by introducing the current in the
conductor. When a conductor is electrically charged it generates magnetic lines of force of
conductor. For example, if current i.e., positive charges moving in a wire, it produces the magnetic
field along the wire, and the direction of magnetic lines and force can be determined using Right-
hand Rule. Refer to the image for a detailed explanation.
Explanation of Electromagnetism with an Example
Permanent Magnetic speakers commonly used in TV’s and Radios are perfect examples of
Electromagnetic devices. Let’s see the operation of these devices which are based on the principle
of electromagnetism. See the picture below.

In order to convert electrical waves into an audible sound, the speakers are designed. A metal coil is
attached to a permanent magnet and when current passes through the coil it generates a magnetic
field. The newly formed magnetic field is repelled by the permanent magnetic field resulting in the
vibrations. These vibrations are amplified by the cone-like structure causing the sound. This is how
speakers work based on electromagnetism.

Electromagnetic Induction
We have seen what happens when a conductor is electrically charged. Now, let’s see what happens
if we place a conductor in between the magnetic field.
When a conductor is placed or moved through the magnetic field it generates voltage i.e., electricity.
This principle is called Electromagnetic Induction. The voltages generated will be based on the
speed of the conductor moving through the electric field. Faster the speed of the conductor, the
greater the induced electricity or voltage.

Faraday’s Law
According to Faraday’s Law, the relative motion between magnetic field and conductor, the flux
linkage changes and this change in flux induces a voltage across the coil.
Explanation with an example
DC Generator works on the principle of Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction. It is a system
that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

In the above figure, A rectangular conductor width sides are placed in between a magnetic field.
When the rectangular conductor rotates in between magnetics, it cuts the magnetic field thereby
causing the Electromagnetic field (e m f).

Frequently Asked Questions on Electromagnetism

What is Electromagnetism?
Electromagnetism is a branch of physics that involves the study of the electromagnetic force. It is a
type of interaction that occurs between electrically charged particles.

Define electromagnetic force?

The electromagnetic force is a force that acts between charged particles and is a combination of
electrical and magnetic forces.

State Faraday’s Law?

Faraday’s Law states that whenever there is relative motion between magnetic field and conductor,
the flux linkage changes and this change in flux induces a voltage across the coil.
Define electromagnetic induction?
Electromagnetic induction is the production of an electromotive force across an electrical conductor
in a changing magnetic field.

List a few properties of the electromagnetic wave?

A few properties of electromagnetic waves are:

 Electromagnetic waves are propagated by oscillating waves electric and magnetic waves
oscillating at right angles to each other
 They exhibit the properties of interference and diffraction
 They travel at a speed of 3 × 108 m/s in a vacuum.
 They are transverse waves.
 The relationship between the wavelength (λ) and frequency (c) of an electromagnetic wave
is given as follows:
c=vλ

List a few applications of electromagnetism?

A few applications of electromagnetism are: