Maxwell's Equations

by electromagnetics.info


Electromagnetic fields are modelled by four vector equations. The equations were put forward by the physicist James Clerk Maxwell in the middle of the 19th century. Using vector calculus , the equations can be written in a more concise form than originally stated and they are listed below:

Ñ×H = J + D
t
(1)

Ñ×E = - B
t
(2)

Ñ. B = 0
(3)

Ñ. D = r
(4)

where the bold characters represent vector quantities:

E: the electric field vector in volts per metre,

D: the electric flux density vector in coulombs per square metre,

H: the magnetic field vector in amperes per metre,

B: the magnetic flux density vector in webers per square metre.

J: the electric conduction current density in amperes per square metre.

The scalar quantity r is the volume charge density in coulombs per cubic metre.

The equations simplify further for linear, isotropic non-dispersive materials.