Mechanical Universe

At first glance, replacing the old idea of action at a distance by the new idea of the field of force seems to be an exercise in semantics. But it isn't, because fields have definite properties of their own suitable for scientific study. For example, electric fields are different in form from magnetic fields, and both kinds can better be understood by analogy to field of fluid flow.

Learning Objectives

Know the definitions of flux and circulation.
Be able to relate flux and circulation to the electric, magnetic and velocity flow fields.
Be able to explain the difference between source and stirring fields.
Be able to discuss analogies in energy and forces for vector fields.