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Maxwells Theory
By Katie Zerr and Kristin Walker
Topics that will be covered: Electromagnetic Theory Displacement Current Michelson-Morley Experiment LIGO Precursors to Relativity
More on Maxwell
Maxwell differed from his contemporaries in the nineteenth century Faraday & Ampere contributed to Maxwells theories Much of his important work was accomplished between the ages of 29 and 35
Aether
Appendix of Chapter 13
When we observe one body acting on another at a distance . . . we generally inquire whether there is any material connection between the two bodies . . . we prefer to explain the action by means of these intermediate connections, rather than to admit the notion of direct action at a distance.
Maxwells Contributions
Analysis of color perception An explanation of Saturns rings Analysis of the theory of fluids and solids Helped father modern statistical mechanics and the molecular theory of gases
Maxwells Equations
Gausss Law, no monopoles, Amperes Law and Faradays Law
Combined, give the result that the amount of electric charge at any particular place never changes mathematical contradiction
Displacement Current
1st story
Conflict could be resolved by modifying Amperes Law so that both electric current and displacement current generate the magnetic field:
Displacement Current
2nd story
For a time dependent electric field, a material medium would become polarized, just as a dielectric does
E
-+
For a constant E field, each pair of charges soon equilibrates as shown above If the E field varies with time, then the charge configurations are constantly in motion displacement current
Michelson-Morley Animation
http://galileoandeinstein.physics.virginia.ed u/more_stuff/flashlets/mmexpt6.htm
LIGO
LIGO stands for Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory Similar apparatus to Michelson-Morley Run into same problem- trying to block out high frequency sounds that disrupt results They hang apparatus while Michelson and Morley suspended theirs in mercury
Precursors to Relativity
FitzGerald (1851-1901) could avoid negative result of Michelson-Morley experiment Contraction hypothesis was independently postulated by Hendrik Lorentz Lorentz manipulated equations and are called Lorentz transformations today Lorentz-FitzGerald contraction hypothesis
He questioned the existence of aether In 1904 he determined his principle of relativity Lorentz came up with a theory of electrons consistent with Poincars principle but still left room for the aether
Conclusion
Maxwell provided us with modern physical and mathematical equations Many contributions to physics even though his belief in the existence of aether was not valid Michelson-Morley experiment proved aether wrong LIGO today uses similar apparatus and encounters similar problems