Electrodynamics

Article By:

Stewart, John W. Department of Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Last reviewed:June 2020

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.221200

The study of the relations between electrical, magnetic, and mechanical phenomena. This includes considerations of the magnetic fields produced by currents, the electromotive forces induced by changing magnetic fields, the forces on currents in magnetic fields, the propagation of electromagnetic waves, and the behavior of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields. Classical electrodynamics deals with fields and charged particles in the manner first systematically described by J. C. Maxwell, whereas quantum electrodynamics applies the principles of quantum mechanics to electrical and magnetic phenomena. Relativistic electrodynamics is concerned with the behavior of charged particles and fields when the velocities of the particles approach that of light. Cosmic electrodynamics is concerned with electromagnetic phenomena occurring on celestial bodies and in space. See also: Electromagnetism; Electron motion in vacuum; Maxwell's equations; Quantum electrodynamics; Radio-wave propagation; Relativistic electrodynamics

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