Maxwellion
Maxwell’s Equations Physics
What is light, really? Maxwellion holds the answer in four lines. Maxwell’s equations tie electric and magnetic fields to charges, currents and each other. In empty space they predict waves travelling at c = 1/√(μ0ε0), the speed of light, so light is an electromagnetic wave. Pixel-art black ceramic mug in 11 or 15 oz; equation, symbols and sources in the physics panel below.
Shipping calculated at checkout by destinationMade to order, ships in ~10 days
One equation · 60 seconds · one try · once a day.
Details
Size & material11oz · 15oz
Black glossy ceramic mug with a C-handle. Lead- and BPA-free.
- 11oz: 0.33 l
- 15oz: 0.44 l
CareDishwasher & microwave safe
Dishwasher safe (top rack) or hand wash. Microwave safe.
ShippingBy destination
Shipping calculated at checkout by destination.
Made to order: about 10 days of production and handling before it ships.
Returns & replacements21 days
Every item is printed to order, so we can’t accept returns or exchanges for change of mind, or if you ordered the wrong size or colour.
Print defect, misprint, damage or the wrong item? We’ll send a free replacement, or a refund if you prefer. Report it within 21 days of delivery with a photo; no need to send it back.
The physics
Maxwell's four equations describe how charges and currents make electric and magnetic fields, and how changing fields make each other. Together they predict light as a self-sustaining electromagnetic wave.
Equations
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| \(\vec E\) | electric field | \(\mathrm{V/m}\) |
| \(\vec B\) | magnetic flux density | \(\mathrm{T}\) |
| \(\rho\) | charge density | \(\mathrm{C/m³}\) |
| \(\vec J\) | current density | \(\mathrm{A/m²}\) |
| \(\varepsilon_0\) | vacuum permittivity | \(\mathrm{F/m}\) |
| \(\mu_0\) | vacuum permeability | \(\mathrm{N/A²}\) |
| \(t\) | time | \(\mathrm{s}\) |
| \(c\) | speed of light in vacuum | \(\mathrm{m/s}\) |
Sources
- Maxwell (1865) A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field, Phil. Trans. R. Soc. 155, 459 (opens in a new tab)
- Feynman Lectures on Physics Vol. II Ch. 18: The Maxwell Equations (opens in a new tab)
- HyperPhysics — Maxwell's Equations (opens in a new tab)
- NIST CODATA 2022 — speed of light in vacuum c (exact) (opens in a new tab)
- NIST CODATA 2022 — vacuum electric permittivity (opens in a new tab)
Source Maxwell, J. C. (1865). A dynamical theory of the electromagnetic field. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, 459–512.doi.org/10.1098/rstl.1865.0008 (opens in a new tab)