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Accounts Quote by James Clerk Maxwell

“One of the chief peculiarities of this treatise is the doctrine that the true electric current, on which the electromagnetic phenomena depend, is not the same thing as the current of conduction, but that the time-variation of the electric displacement must [also] be taken into account...” quote by James Clerk Maxwell
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“One of the chief peculiarities of this treatise is the doctrine that the true electric current, on which the electromagnetic phenomena depend, is not the same thing as the current of conduction, but that the time-variation of the electric displacement must [also] be taken into account...”

James Clerk Maxwell

About This Quote

Source Treatise: A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field, 1865

Electric displacement changes over time affect electromagnetic phenomena, distinct from conduction current.

In simple terms: Changing electric fields matter beyond simple flow.

Key Takeaway

Account for displacement in field calculations.

Themes

physics electromagnetism theory mathematics

Mood

technical inquisitive

Type

scientific educational

When to use this quote

  • electrical engineering
  • telecommunications
  • academic research

Key Concepts

Maxwell's equations field theory signal propagation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does displacement current influence modern tech?
  • What experiments illustrate its effects?
A Different Perspective

Neglecting displacement leads to inaccurate predictions.

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