Physics Module 7 Flashcards
1
Q
Outline the contribution of Maxwell to the theory of light
A
Prior, to Maxwell it was known that changes in magnetic fields could produce electric currents (Faraday’s Law)
EMF = change in flux/change in time
Changes in electric currents could produce changes in magnetic fields (Amperes law B=uI/2piR)
Maxwell unified that concepts of electricity and magnetism to produce the concept of electromagnetism.
Maxwell proposed that light consisted of a self sustaining mutually generating electric and magnetic fields which oscillated at 90 degrees, and predicted this wave would travel at the speed of light.
He also proposed the wave equation V=fy
This supported the wave model of light proposed by Huygens.
