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> while the electrons are moving at speeds closer to meters per second

Plus, with AC, the electrons move back and forth, instead of just moving forward!

It is however still movement, which is important because static electric fields don't produce magnetism, whereas moving charges do - which is the principle benefit of AC current.

Well, technically that depends on your reference frame. If the _observer_ starts moving, they will observe a magnetic field where before there was only electric.

It’s not that static electric fields “produce” magnetism. Magnetism is a result of relativity.

(But yes, it is still movement…).

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