Electrodynamics of point particle at relativistic velocities

In summary, there are a few books that can provide extensive treatment on electromagnetic field, potential, and electromagnetic energy of a point particle moving at relativistic velocities. Some recommended references include chapter 15 of Franklin's "Classical Electromagnetism," chapter 12 of David J. Griffiths' "Introduction to Electrodynamics," and Wolfgang Rindler's "Introduction to Special Relativity." Additionally, Wikipedia and Jackson's book also have information on how the fields of a moving point charge transform under the Lorentz transformation and for more abstract situations involving relativity and acceleration.
  • #1
sanko
13
0
do you know any text or reference with extensive treatment on electromagnetic field ,potential & electromagnetic energy of point particle moving straight at relativistic velocities?
 
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  • #2
Try chapter 15 of Franklin's "Classical Electromagnetism".
 
  • #3
Chapter 12 in the common 'Introduction to Electrodynamics' by David J. Griffiths is about electrodynamics and special relativity. I saw an example in the book about a moving point charge so that seems promising.

I had a book in a course once written by Wolfgang Rindler called 'Introduction to Special Relativity' which had a quite long section about electromagnetism and special relativity, but this book was more leaned towards special relativity than electrodynamics (as you can guess by the title).

How much of special relativity theory do you want? And what is it more specific that you're looking for? How the fields of a point charge transform under the Lorentz transformation? Cause that shouldn't be so hard to find, I guess there is a lot on Wikipedia for example.
 
  • #4
For straight, no acceleration then I think that Griffiths may have that (I don't have it on hand to check though). If you want a detailed analysis for more abstract situations (relativistic, accelerating) Jackson has a good treatment of the subject.
 
  • #5


I am familiar with the electrodynamics of point particles at relativistic velocities. This is a complex topic that requires a deep understanding of both classical and relativistic physics. There are many texts and references available that provide extensive treatment on the electromagnetic field, potential, and energy of point particles moving at relativistic velocities.

Some recommended resources include "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by David J. Griffiths, "Classical Electrodynamics" by John David Jackson, and "The Classical Theory of Fields" by L.D. Landau and E.M. Lifshitz. These texts cover the fundamentals of electrodynamics and provide in-depth discussions on the behavior of point particles at relativistic velocities.

Additionally, there are many research papers and articles available on this topic, such as "Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies" by Albert Einstein and "Relativistic Electrodynamics and Differential Geometry" by Gerald Kaiser. These resources can provide a more specialized and advanced understanding of the subject.

In summary, there are numerous texts and references available that provide extensive treatment on the electrodynamics of point particles at relativistic velocities. I recommend consulting these resources for a thorough understanding of this fascinating and important topic in physics.
 

1. What is the equation for the Lorentz force on a point particle at relativistic velocities?

The equation for the Lorentz force on a point particle moving at relativistic velocities is F = q(E + v x B), where q is the charge of the particle, E is the electric field, v is the velocity of the particle, and B is the magnetic field.

2. How does the behavior of a point particle at relativistic velocities differ from that of a particle at non-relativistic velocities?

At relativistic velocities, the behavior of a point particle is affected by special relativity, which takes into account the effects of time dilation and length contraction. This results in changes to the particle's mass, momentum, and energy, and also alters the way it responds to electromagnetic fields.

3. What is the significance of the speed of light in the context of electrodynamics?

The speed of light, c, plays a crucial role in electrodynamics as it is a fundamental constant that relates the strength of electric and magnetic fields. It also serves as the maximum speed limit in the universe, and any object with mass cannot reach or exceed this speed.

4. How does the concept of relativistic mass affect the behavior of a point particle in an electromagnetic field?

Relativistic mass is a term used to describe the increase in mass of a particle as it approaches the speed of light. This increase in mass results in a corresponding increase in momentum and energy, which affects the way the particle responds to electromagnetic forces.

5. Can a point particle ever reach the speed of light in an electromagnetic field?

No, according to the principles of special relativity, a point particle with mass can never reach or exceed the speed of light. As the particle's speed approaches c, its mass and energy would approach infinity, making it impossible to accelerate any further.

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