# Why do we need four equations in maxwell's equations for solving for two unknowns?

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#### mvenkat3272

##### Newbie level 5
why do we need four equations in maxwell's equations for solving for two unknowns?

#### Mr.Cool

Maxwells Equations

2 of the 4 equations are special use.. so really they are just 2 main equations.

but check maxwell's first edition of treatise of electrical theory (available from Carnegie Mellon free online). you'll find that maxwell's equations actually numbered 20, not four.

then during the writing of the 2nd edition maxwell died.

the 3rd edition is where the "4 equations" shows up.

so the "4 equations" are not really maxwell's !!

by why beat a dead horse right?

Mr.Cool

### mvenkat3272

points: 2

#### dineshbabumm

Maxwells Equations

Helmholtz's theorem says: "A vector is completely defined by its curl and divergence!"

So to define the vectors E and H,we need both the curl(Del X H,Del X E) and their divergence (Del . H and Del . E)..

So using them,we can fully define H and E fields..

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