Electromagnetism and Relativity

In summary, the problem involves a charge moving at a constant speed and calculating the electric field at a specific point in both the lab frame and the charge frame. While the field in the lab frame is \frac{q}{\gamma^2 d^2} in the negative x direction, the field in the charge frame is -\frac{q}{(d/\gamma)^2}=\frac{\gamma^2 q}{d^2}. These results are not equal due to the incorrect placement of the gamma factor in the transformation of parallel fields. The correct spacetime point needs to be found using the Lorentz transformations.
  • #1
PineApple2
49
0
Hello. Here is the problem:
A charge q is moving at speed v0 to the right in the lab frame. At t=0 the particle passes at the origin (0,0,0). calculate the field at (-d,0,0) at the instant it passes the origin, both in the lab frame and in the charge frame. are they equal?

My solution:

In the lab frame, the field is
[tex]
\frac{q}{\gamma^2 d^2}
[/tex]
in the negative x direction. By the transformation of parallel fields, [tex]E_{||}'=E_{||} [/tex] so the result in the charge frame should be the same.
However working in the charge frame,
[tex]
E=-\frac{q}{d'^2}, \qquad d'=d/\gamma
[/tex]
because of length contraction. therefore the field in the charge frame is
[tex]
E=-\frac{q}{(d/\gamma)^2}=\frac{\gamma^2 q}{d^2}
[/tex]
these are not equal, the gamma here is in the "wrong place".
what is going on here?
thanks.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
The spacetime point [itex]x^\mu = (ct, x, y, z) = (0, -d, 0, 0)[/itex] doesn't correspond to the point [itex]x'^\mu = (ct', x', y', z') = (0, -d/γ, 0, 0)[/itex] as you've assumed. You need to use the Lorentz transformations to find the correct [itex]x'^\mu[/itex].
 

1. What is electromagnetic radiation?

Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy that is transmitted through space in the form of waves. It includes both electric and magnetic fields, and encompasses a wide range of wavelengths, from radio waves to gamma rays.

2. How do electromagnets work?

Electromagnets work by using an electric current to produce a magnetic field. When an electric current flows through a wire, it creates a circular magnetic field around the wire. By wrapping the wire into a coil, the magnetic field is amplified, making it stronger.

3. What is the relationship between electricity and magnetism?

The relationship between electricity and magnetism is described by Maxwell's equations. These equations show that a changing electric field produces a magnetic field, and a changing magnetic field produces an electric field. This connection between the two phenomena is known as electromagnetism.

4. What is special relativity?

Special relativity is a theory developed by Albert Einstein that explains the relationship between space and time. It states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion, and that the speed of light is constant in all inertial frames of reference.

5. How does relativity affect our understanding of time and space?

Relativity shows that time and space are not absolute, but are relative to the observer. This means that time can pass at different rates for different observers, and that the length of an object can appear different depending on the observer's frame of reference. It also shows that mass and energy are interchangeable, and that the laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames of reference.

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