How does an electric field create a magnetic field and relativity

The electric and magnetic fields are interdependent and cannot exist independently under time-varying conditions. This was stated by Albert Einstein in his 1905 paper "On The Electrodynamics Of Moving Bodies." In summary, the electric field does not create the magnetic field and vice versa. They are both equally important and cannot be ranked in terms of importance. To learn more about this, it is recommended to read Einstein's paper on relativity.
  • #1
sameeralord
662
3
Hello everyone,

How does an electric field create a magnetic field. If we move at the same speed in the direction of the electric field would we see a magnetic field. Would we still see it because it is perpendicular but we would see the electric field not moving so not sure.

Thanks! :smile:
 
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  • #2
The electric field does not "create" the magnetic field. Nor does the magnetic field, H, create the electric field, E. Under time-varying conditions, E & H cannot exist independently. Wherever there be one, so there be the other. There is no pecking order.

In his 1905 paper "On The Electrodynamics Of Moving Bodies", Albert Einstein stated that neither E nor H is the "seat". "Seat" means "root, basis, primary, main, fundamental, canonical." etc. To this day that position has been affirmed.

If you search my post history, I did upload the paper some time ago. Read it and maybe AE himself can answer your question. When it comes to relativity, he is the horse's mouth.

Claude
 
  • #3


Hello there! That's a great question. The relationship between electric and magnetic fields is described by Maxwell's equations, which are fundamental laws in electromagnetism. According to these equations, a changing electric field will create a magnetic field, and vice versa. This is known as electromagnetic induction.

To understand this concept, let's think about a wire carrying an electric current. The electrons in the wire are moving, creating an electric current. This current produces an electric field around the wire. Now, if we move the wire in a different direction, the electric field will also change. This change in the electric field will create a magnetic field around the wire. So, by moving the wire, we have created a magnetic field.

Now, let's consider the scenario you mentioned where we move at the same speed in the direction of the electric field. In this case, the electric field would still exist, but since we are moving with it, we wouldn't necessarily see it. However, the changing electric field would still create a magnetic field around us, which we would be able to see.

As for the connection to relativity, the theory of relativity states that space and time are intertwined and that the laws of physics should be the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion. This means that the relationship between electric and magnetic fields, as described by Maxwell's equations, would hold true for all observers, regardless of their speed or direction of motion.

I hope this helps to clarify the relationship between electric and magnetic fields and their connection to relativity. Keep asking great questions and exploring the fascinating world of science!
 

What is an electric field?

An electric field is a physical field that surrounds electrically charged particles and exerts a force on other charged particles within its vicinity.

What is a magnetic field?

A magnetic field is a physical field that surrounds a magnet or a current-carrying wire and exerts a force on other magnetic materials or moving charges within its vicinity.

How does an electric field create a magnetic field?

An electric field creates a magnetic field when a charged particle moves in an electric field. This moving particle creates a current, which in turn generates a magnetic field around it.

What is the relationship between electric and magnetic fields?

The relationship between electric and magnetic fields is described by Maxwell's equations. These equations state that a changing electric field creates a magnetic field, and a changing magnetic field creates an electric field.

How does relativity play a role in the creation of electric and magnetic fields?

Einstein's theory of relativity explains the connection between electric and magnetic fields. According to relativity, electric and magnetic fields are different manifestations of the same phenomenon, known as the electromagnetic field. This theory also explains the behavior of these fields in relation to moving objects and their relative frames of reference.

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