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Article
Maxwell's equations
Article By:
Nelson, T. J. Bell Communications Research, Red Bank, New Jersey.
Last reviewed:April 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.410900
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- Maxwell's equations, published January 2020:Download PDF
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Four equations that concisely convey the fundamentals of classical electromagnetism, classical optics, and electric circuits. Completed by Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell in 1864, these partial differential equations govern a wide range of phenomena, including much of electronic technology (Fig. 1), though some modern technology requires the quantum-mechanical interpretation of the equations. See also: Differential equation; Electrical circuit; Electronics; Optics; Physics; Quantum mechanics
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