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Magnetism
and electricity are closely related phenomena. Electric charge
is a fundamental property of matter. Matter is made up of electrons,
neutrons, and protons. Electrons have a negative electric charge,
while protons have a positive electric charge; neutrons have no
electric charge. These tiny particles are the building blocks
of atoms. An atom has a net positive electric charge when it loses
one of its electrons, and a net negative electric charge when
it gains an extra electron. On the other hand, magnetic charges
do not exist - Magnetic fields are generated solely by moving
electric charges.
An example
of the relationship between electricity and magnetism is the motor.
In a motor, a voltage is applied across the terminals of a coil
of wire. The voltage causes the electrons in the wire to move,
which in turn generates a current. This current results in a magnetic
field, which interacts with permanent magnets attached to the
core of the motor, causing it to move.
Perhaps the
most significant relationship between electricity and magnetism
is light, which is known to physicists as an electromagnetic wave.
Light waves are oscillating patterns of electric and magnetic
fields, propagating through space at the speed of light (3x108
meters/second).
Electric and
Magnetic phenomena are intricately described by a collection of
physical laws, known as Maxwell's equations. Fully understanding
these complex equations require a thorough knowledge of calculus
and differential equations. For more information, take a course
in electromagnetic theory from your local university.
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