Static magnetic fields
Donald T. Edmonds · 2001
Abstract This chapter introduces magnetism. Magnetic fields are generated when currents flow in conductors; in particular, the magnetic field of a small loop of current-carrying conductor is equivalent to that of a magnetic dipole. There are no magnetic unipoles corresponding to electric charges. The two fundamental laws which govern the properties of magnetic fields, Gauss’s law and Ampe’re’s law, are derived. A magnetic potential is introduced and the differences between the electrostatic potential and magnetostatic potential are discussed.