Duality (electricity and magnetism)

In physics, the electromagnetic dual concept is based on the idea that, in the static case, electromagnetism has two separate facets: electric fields and magnetic fields. Expressions in one of these will have a directly analogous, or dual, expression in the other. The reason for this can ultimately be traced to special relativity where applying the Lorentz transformation to the electric field will transform it into a magnetic field.

The electric field (E) is the dual of the magnetizing field (H).
The electric displacement field (D) is the dual of the magnetic flux density (B).
Faraday's law of induction is the dual of Ampère's circuital law.
Gauss's law for electric field is the dual of Gauss's law for magnetism.
The electric potential is the dual of the magnetic potential.
Permittivity is the dual of permeability.
Electrostriction is the dual of magnetostriction.
Piezoelectricity is the dual of piezomagnetism.
Ferroelectricity is the dual of ferromagnetism.
An electrostatic motor is the dual of a magnetic motor;
Electrets are the dual of permanent magnets;
The Faraday effect is the dual of the Kerr effect;
The Aharonov–Casher effect is the dual to the Aharonov–Bohm effect;
The hypothetical magnetic monopole is the dual of electric charge.

See also

Maxwell's equations
Duality (electrical circuits)

Physics Encyclopedia