Newton's Third Law - Weak Form Application

In summary, the conversation discusses the application of the third law in the weak form and how it relates to electromagnetic forces. An example is given of two identical charges moving along different axes, and the behavior of magnetic forces between them is discussed. It is noted that although the total force between the charges is equal, they are not opposite. Momentum is also mentioned as being conserved due to the momentum carried by the fields. Further resources for understanding this concept are suggested.
  • #1
DaTario
1,039
35
Hi all,

I would like to know in which circunstances the third law applies just in the weak form.

Thank you

DaTario
 
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  • #2
Mostly involving electromagnetic forces.
 
  • #3
Could you give an example. Doesn't the Lorentz force obey Newton's third law ?
 
  • #4
Consider two identical charges moving along the x and y axes with same speed away from the origin. The electrical forces between them is repulsive, but now just find out how the magnetic forces between them behave. You don't have to calculate -- just roughly think of the charges as currents and find the direction of the associated magnetic fields like we do for currents.

The total force of one on the other is equal to the force of the other on the former, but they are not opposite.

Ultimately, momentum will be conserved, because the fields themselves carry momentum.
 
  • #5
Thank you a lot.

Best wishes

DaTario
 
  • #6
Consider two identical charges moving along the x and y axes with same speed away from the origin. The electrical forces between them is repulsive, but now just find out how the magnetic forces between them behave. You don't have to calculate -- just roughly think of the charges as currents and find the direction of the associated magnetic fields like we do for currents.

The total force of one on the other is equal to the force of the other on the former, but they are not opposite.

Ultimately, momentum will be conserved, because the fields themselves carry momentum.

Any link where this example is further explained ?
Thanks.
 

1. What is Newton's Third Law?

Newton's Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that whenever an object exerts a force on another object, the second object will exert an equal force in the opposite direction on the first object.

2. What is the weak form application of Newton's Third Law?

The weak form application of Newton's Third Law involves the concept of action and reaction forces being applied to a single object. This means that the forces acting on an object must be analyzed for both the action and reaction forces, and the net force on the object must be calculated as the sum of these forces.

3. How does the weak form application of Newton's Third Law differ from the strong form application?

The strong form application of Newton's Third Law involves two separate objects interacting with each other and experiencing equal and opposite forces. In contrast, the weak form application focuses on a single object and the forces acting on it.

4. What are some examples of the weak form application of Newton's Third Law?

Examples of the weak form application of Newton's Third Law include a person standing on the ground, a book resting on a table, and a car driving on a road. In all of these scenarios, the forces acting on the object (gravity, normal force, and friction) must be analyzed as both action and reaction forces.

5. Why is understanding the weak form application of Newton's Third Law important?

Understanding the weak form application of Newton's Third Law is important because it allows scientists to accurately analyze and predict the motion of objects. By considering both the action and reaction forces acting on an object, we can better understand the forces at play and make more accurate calculations and predictions.

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