Electromagnetism

Electromagnetism is a physical interaction that takes place in nature between objects that are electrically charged. If two particles have an electric charge, the exert an electric force between them that is exerted on one another by the electromagnetic field that exists around all charges.

The Electromagnetic Force is one of the Four Fundamental Forces of nature — the fundamental forces that define all material interactions that compose reality. In this way, at the most elemental level, these forces determines the shape, structure, and behavior of the entire Universe. If these forces didn’t not function and interact exactly as they do, reality would not be — or exist — as it does. Electromagnetism is one of these forces.

The four fundamental forces of nature are:

• Strong Nuclear Force
• Weak Nuclear Force
• Electromagnetic Force
• Gravitational Force

At the atomic scale the electromagnetic force is the dominant force in particle interactions. Gravitational force is relatively small at this scalar resolution, because the individual masses of atoms are so small — resulting in a small gravitational force between them — relative to the electromagnetic force.

The nuclear forces are localized within the nucleus of the atom. Even though they are the most powerful forces in nature (the strong nuclear force and the weak nuclear force) their influence does not extend significantly beyond the nucleus. Therefore the forces of electromagnetism remain the dominant defining factor for electromagnetic interactions between charged particles.

Electromagnetism — Electric and Magnetic Forces and Fields

In physics, electromagnetism is a branch that arises from the study of electrostatics and magnetism. Electricity and magnetism are intimately related at a fundamental level, and so the electric force that is transmitted through an electric field which arises from an electric charge, also results in magnetic fields and a magnetic force when those objects are in motion.

Electric Forces can either repel one another. If two like charges interact with one another (either a positive-positive or negative-negative charge interaction) then a repulsive electric force exists between them, creating a force that drives the charges away from one another.

On the other hand, opposite charges attract one another (a positive-negative interaction). In the case where a positive and a negative electric charge are in proximity to one another, they pull towards one another.

Magnetism arises when the charges are in relative motion with one another, because magnetic fields are created when charges move.