Module 6 Electromagnetism

Content Focus

We will explore the concepts of and solve problems relating to the interactions between electric and magnetic fields, the motor effect and electromagnetic induction.

"Discoveries about the interactions that take place between charged particles and electric and magnetic fields not only produced significant advances in physics, but also led to significant technological developments. These developments include the generation and distribution of electricity, and the invention of numerous devices that convert electrical energy into other forms of energy.

"Understanding the similarities and differences in the interactions of single charges in electric and magnetic fields provides students with a conceptual foundation for this module. Phenomena that include the force produced on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field, the force between current-carrying wires, Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction, the principles of transformers and the workings of motors and generators can all be understood as instances of forces acting on moving charged particles in magnetic fields.

"The law of conservation of energy underpins all of these interactions. The conversion of energy into forms other than the intended form is a problem that constantly drives engineers to improve designs of electromagnetic devices."

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) (2017), Physics Stage 6 Syllabus, p. 55.

Biblical Perspective

A Christian physicist should be fully aware of both the power and limitations of scientific theorising. In a Christian worldview we must ensure that our theories, as well as their interpretations and extensions, are consistent with what is revealed to us through the Bible. The Bible does tell us that God reveals Himself through nature, for example Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies show that his hands created them. Day after day they speak about it. Night after night they make it known" (NIRV). Paul makes it clear, "For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse" (Romans 1:20-21). However, the knowledge thus revealed is primarily about God's character rather than about origins and other mysteries. Indeed, the Bible (e.g. Job 38-41) often stresses man's ignorance regarding origins and deeper questions of nature.

A Christian scientist should therefore be competent (know the discipline well), critical (be able to discern philosophical presuppositions and implications), and biblical (building on a solid scriptural foundation).

The preceding two paragraphs are extracted from a longer essay with a potent thesis; you can find the whole text at http://www.reformation.edu/scripture-science-byl/pages/02-perspective-on-physics.htm.

It should not be surprising that many Christian physicists were motivated by their love for God and their curiosity for his world to both discover scienctific concepts and create inventions in order to give God glory, e.g.* Johann Kepler (1571-1630), Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727), Firmin Abauzit (1679–1767), John Michell (1724–1793), Michael Faraday (1791–1867), James David Forbes (1809–1868), John William Dawson (1820–1899), Bernhard Riemann (1826–1866), James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879), Lord Kelvin (1824–1907), John Ambrose Fleming (1849–1945), Heinrich Hertz (1857–1894), Charles Glover Barkla (1877–1944), Arthur Eddington (1882–1944), Arthur Compton (1892–1962), Kathleen Lonsdale (1903–1971), Ernest Walton (1903–1995), Nevill Francis Mott (1905–1996), Aldert van der Ziel (1910–1991), William G. Pollard (1911–1989), Wernher von Braun (1912–1977), C. F. von Weizsäcker (1912–2007), Arthur Leonard Schawlow (1921–1999), Sir Robert Boyd (1922–2004), Ian Barbour (1923–2013), Antony Hewish (b. 1924), Owen Gingerich (b. 1930), John Polkinghorne (b. 1930), Colin Humphreys (b. 1941), Hugh Ross (b. 1945), Don Page (b. 1948), John Hartnett (b. 1952), John D. Barrow (b. 1952) and Karl W. Giberson (b. 1957). These physicists listed are simply people who have conducted research into physics and also proclaimed their Christian beliefs. This is not to mention many biologists, chemists, geologists, medical physicians, engineers and others who have conducted scientific research and gave God the glory and praise.

* Names in bold have a biography you can read under Guided Reading for each Module.

In this module, you will study Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction, among other things. Look for the article on Michael Faraday in the Guided Reading.

For a Biblical Perspective of the Nature of Light, click here.

Inquiry Questions

Charged Particles, Conductors and Electric and Magnetic Fields

What happens to stationary and moving charged particles when they interact with an electric or magnetic field?

The Motor Effect

Under what circumstances is a force produced on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field?

Electromagnetic Induction

How are electric and magnetic fields related?

Applications of the Motor Effect

How has knowledge about the Motor Effect been applied to technological advances?