electromagnetism

American  

[ih-lek-troh-mag-ni-tiz-uhm] / ɪˌlɛk troʊˈmæg nɪˌtɪz əm /

noun

1. the phenomena associated with electric and magnetic fields and their interactions with each other and with electric charges and currents.

2. Also the science that deals with these phenomena.

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electromagnetism British  

/ ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈmæɡnɪˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. magnetism produced by an electric current

2. Also called: electromagnetics.  the branch of physics concerned with magnetism produced by electric currents and with the interaction of electric and magnetic fields

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electromagnetism Scientific  

/ ĭ-lĕk′trō-măg′nĭ-tĭz′əm /

1. Any of the wide range of phenomena associated with the behavior and interaction of electric charges and electric and magnetic fields, such as electricity, magnetism, chemical bonds, and all forms of electromagnetic radiation, including light.

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Etymology

Origin of electromagnetism

First recorded in 1820–30; electro- + magnetism

Explanation

Electromagnetism is the interaction between the powerful, invisible forces that are caused by electrical charges and magnets. Electromagnetism is the way electrically charged particles interact, becoming magnetically attracted to, or repelled from, each other. In the early 19th century, scientists discovered that electricity and magnetism weren't two entirely separate phenomena, but instead together formed a force of nature as fundamental as gravity. They learned over time that electricity causes particles to become magnetized — and that magnetism can produce electric currents.

Example Sentences

Electromagnetism is well known from everyday life and lies at the heart of so many of the devices that have revolutionized society, from computers to communications.

From Washington Post • Jul. 26, 2021

Electromagnetism is the use of electric current to make magnets.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Electromagnetism, for example, had long been conceived as traveling in bundles of light known as photons.

From Time Magazine Archive

Electromagnetism makes it possible for elevators to rise, light bulbs to glow and lightning to snake across the sky.

From Time Magazine Archive

Oersted and Electromagnetism The first success in this direction was achieved by Hans Christian Oersted, a native of Denmark.

From The Story of Great Inventions by Burns, Elmer Ellsworth