Electricity is fundamentally the study of electric charges at rest and in motion. A static charge gives rise to an electric field, whereas a moving charge gives rise to a magnetic field in addition to its electric field. That is the modern view, but historically the study of electrostatics, magnetism, current electricity, electromagnetism and electromagnetic induction proceeded along quite independent lines. The essential unity in electricity was not appreciated, and two independent systems of units evolved. An experimental study of electricity based on the Sommerfeld approach using the internationally accepted rationalized m.k.s.a. system of units would seem to have many advantages at sixth-form level. This article pays particular attention to a possible teaching sequence in electromagnetism.
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