[Physics] HOW is an electric field induced when there is a time varying magnetic field

electromagnetism

I have just learnt electromagnetic induction. When the magnetic flux through a closed loop changes with time, a current is produced in the loop. My teacher told me that this was due to an "induced electric field" in the wires, and that it was a non conservative field.

How did this field magically appear? I would like to know the mechanism- or at least an intuitive understanding of how this happens. I am also aware that a current carrying wire exerts a magnetic force on a moving charge due to length contraction, responsible for creating an extra electrostatic force on the charge. Can relativity be used to explain Faraday's law as well? Even Griffiths does not get into what causes the induced electric field.

Best Answer

How did this field magically appear?

Induced electric field is caused by the variation of current-density in the stationary loop and not by magic. The electric and magnetic fields are correlated by

$$\mathbf \nabla \times \mathbf E~=~ -\partial_t\mathbf B\;.$$

I am also aware that a current carrying wire exerts a magnetic force on a moving charge due to length contraction, responsible for creating an extra electrostatic force on the charge. Can relativity be used to explain Faraday's law as well?

I could conclude that you were saying A magnetic field is caused by length contraction and....

Well,

Magnetic field is due to the relativistic effect of electric field.

But in the same way,

Electric field is due to the relativistic effect of magnetic field.

That is, taking one field as the mean the charges interact, the relativistic transformation equations make the presence of the other field imperative.

But, both electric and magnetic field can't be relativistic effect at once.

As Jefimenko in his paper points out:

The only correct interpretation must be that interactions between electric charges that are either entirely velocity independent or entirely velocity dependent is incompatible with the relativity theory.Both fields—the electric field (producing a force independent of the velocity of the charge experiencing the force) and the magnetic field (producing a force dependent on the velocity of the charge experiencing the force)—are necessary to make interactions between electric charges relativistically correct. By inference then, any force field compatible with the relativity theory must have an electric-like ‘subfield’ and a magnetic-like ‘subfield’.

The electric and magnetic fields are the two aspects of the electromagnetic field. It depends on frame whether electromagnetic field would like an electric field or magnetic field or combination of both.

See Christoph's answer here.

Also, see the last part of Timaeus' answer here.

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