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RE: Series: How did James Clerk Maxwell change our world? [ part 2: Beauty of the Maxwell's equations ]
This really brings back some memories.
I've always been fascinated by these laws but I always thought somebody should be able to explain them in absolute layman terms.
I think I understand some of the concepts but many parts of these equations are still very obscure to me.
To start with:
- What does "divergence" mean in this context? Can this be explained for non-mathematicians?
- I understanding the concept of electric field, but what is an "electric field displacement"? Again if possible explained for non-mathematicians.
- What is a "flux"? Is it the same by analogy to a "flow" of water? That is, a certain quantity per unit of surface per time?
- I understand conduction, current and density, but what does "conduction current density" mean?
- What is the difference between magnetic field H and induction field J?
Sorry if all of these questions sound a bit lame but I feel like these equations are pivotal to so many applications I would love to truly understand them.
Maybe an idea for posts in the future would be to explain each equation, one at a time, for people with no or little backgrounds in mathematics/physics?
Thanks for all the hard work.
Wow. Loads of questions you got there. These laws are all embodiments of mathematics.
• Divergence in this context is a mathematical vector operator. Think of "divergence" this way : the measure of the amount of flow out of a specified volume minus the flow into that volume. That is "amount leaving" minus "amount entering" a given volume, the resultant is your divergence.
• Think of "Electric field displacement" this way:
Think of a these charges moving from point to point in a surface or field.
Their movement from point to point cover distances which is "displacement". The entities doing the movement are the charges. So we say electric field displacement that is charges per unit area that would be displaced(moved) across a layer of a conductor placed in an electric field(region where you have current flowing).
• YES! flux same analogy with water example you stated. this way electric field displacement is another way of saying electric flux density both having same symbol " D".
• Conduction current density; conduction current that is currents being conducted. Density; mass per volume.
So conduction current density is the amount of conducting current flowing on a surface( which definitely has a mass and volume) in a time.
• magnetic field intensity (H) is simply the strength of that magnetic field. Meaning how intense is the field?. While "J" is conduction current density not induction field.
Induction field: think of a generator engine. The cores where you have the magnets and coils. That's an induction field.
Trust this helps @irelandscape
I have the same thoughts too. Thank you for listing it.
OK, thanks for the explanations. I'll reread careful your post with that in mind when I have a chance.
BTW, I think there is potentially almost a lifetime of deeper understanding into these laws. I wonder how many trained people are out there who know these laws, can apply them but don't fully understand them.
@irelandspace, I think you replied the wrong person (me) :)
You are right @irelandscape. We just have to keep digging and learn more. Others take up from where others stopped. I believe no one knows it all.