Maxwell's equations

Definition

Maxwell's equations are a set of four fundamental equations that describe the behavior of electric and magnetic fields. They explain how electric charges and currents create electric and magnetic fields, and how changing electric and magnetic fields can induce each other.

Related terms

Electromagnetic waves: Electromagnetic waves are waves that consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. They are produced by accelerating charges or changing magnetic fields.

Gauss's law for electricity: This equation relates the flux (flow) of an electric field through a closed surface to the total charge enclosed within that surface.

Ampere's law with Maxwell's addition: Ampere's law states that the circulation (looping) of a magnetic field around a closed loop is proportional to the current passing through that loop. Maxwell added an additional term to this equation to account for changing electric fields.