Maxwell's Equations

About

Maxwell's Equations are a set of four fundamental equations in classical electromagnetism that unify the previously separate theories of electricity and magnetism. They describe how electric and magnetic fields are generated by charges, currents, and changes in these fields. The equations consist of Gauss's law for electricity, Gauss's law for magnetism, Faraday's law of induction, and Ampere's law with Maxwell's addition of displacement current. These laws form the basis for understanding phenomena such as electromagnetic waves, which include light and other forms of radiation. The equations have two main forms: microscopic and macroscopic. The microscopic equations apply universally but are complex for practical calculations, while the macroscopic equations simplify the behavior of materials by introducing auxiliary fields like polarization and magnetization. Maxwell's work predicted the existence of electromagnetic waves and demonstrated that light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, unifying electromagnetism and optics. This unification laid the groundwork for modern technologies in communication, electrical systems, and optics.