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Electromagnetism

Electromagnetism is a scientific concept which describes the magnetism that an electric current produces. It is also a branch of physics that is focused on the study of the electromagnetic field produced by the combination of the magnetic field and the electric field that encompass all of space. Electric fields are produced by electric charges that are static, while magnetic fields are produced by electric charges that are in motion.

The electromagnetic field exerts a force on electrically charged particles. That force is referred to as the electromagnetic force and is one of the fundamental forces that affect the universe, the other ones being strong nuclear force, weak nuclear force and gravitational force. These forces are the foundation from which any other form of force originates. Electromagnetism gets special mention, however, since it is affects interactions between atoms.

Electromagnetism can be traced back to the 17th century, when it was first understood that magnetism and electricity were distinct concepts. But the theory as it is known today was developed over the years of the 19th century, concluding with what is now referred to as classical electromagnetism, guided by the equations referred to as Maxwell’s equations.

Web Resources On Electromagnetism

How Stuff Works: Electromagnetism
Wikipedia: Electromagnetism

Book Resources On Electromagnetism

Electromagnetism by Gerald Pollack, Daniel Stump
Problems and Solutions on Electromagnetism by Yung-Kuo Lim

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