ing optics. radio and TY transmission, and the properties of practical devices such as microwave ONE - 38-1 THE BASIC EQUATIONS OF ELECTROMAGNETISM Although there are many differences in the physical proper- ties of electric and magnetic fields, there are many similari- ties in their mathematical properties, To see these similari- ties, et us write the basic equations of electromagnetism to apply to a region of space in which electric and magnetic fields exist but there are no charges or currents (the fields may be caused by charges and currents in other regions of space) r If we choose any closed surface in this region, we can apply Gauss’ law for both electric and magnetic fields: 8-1) (38-2) Over any closed surface, the surface integrals of the electric and magnetic fields are both zero, because the surface en- closes no electric charge or magnetic poles. These two ‘equations have exactly the same form, which represents an important symmetry between electric and magnetic fields. We now choose any closed path in this region and apply Faraday’s law and Ampere's law: (38-3) (38-4) ‘The symmetry between E and B that was present in Eqs. 38-1 and 38-2 seems to be missing in Eqs. 38-3 and 38-4. Faraday’s law, Eq. 38-3, tells us that in this region a varying thignetic field can set up an electric field. Is it possible that a varying electric field could set up a magnetic field? “This question was first asked by Maxwell.* His correct answer provided the missing term in Ampére’s law that re- stored the symmetry between electric and magnetic fields in Faraday’s law and Ami jaw. This additional term is re- sponsible for the existence of electromagnetic waves, which ‘Maxwell was able to deduce from his theory. Soon after his prediction, the waves were discovered and applied to the ~vemtion of radio, Itis no exaggeration to state thatthe entire “nes Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879), a Scotsh physicist, was the first to provide the mathematical streture ofthe las of electromagnetism, He also developed the slatntical mechanics of gases and made important con- butions o color photography and tothe understanding of Saturn's tings. ‘Te equations ofelectomagnetisim were devsloped in their present form not by Maxwell but by British physicist Oliver Heaviside (1850-1925), ‘who recognized the symmetries between