Maxwell's Equations
The set of four fundamental partial differential equations that unify electricity, magnetism, and optics into classical electrodynamics.
Governing formula
∇·E = ρ/ε₀, ∇·B = 0, ∇×E = -∂B/∂t, ∇×B = μ₀J + μ₀ε₀∂E/∂t
SI unit
Various SI Units
In depth
Formulated by James Clerk Maxwell, these equations predicted that coupled time-varying electric and magnetic fields propagate through vacuum as transverse waves at speed c = 1 / √(μ₀ ε₀), proving light is an electromagnetic wave.
Examples in the real world
Serving as the mathematical theoretical foundation for radio broadcasting, radar, telecommunications, optics, and electrical power engineering.