Effect of motion of a charge in two differenct refrence fremes

In summary, the concept of a moving charge producing a magnetic field can be explained through Special Relativity. While an observer moving along with the charge would not observe a magnetic field, someone stationary relative to the charge would observe both a magnetic and electric field. This seeming paradox can be resolved by treating the electric and magnetic components as parts of a unified electromagnetic field, which is relative to our frame of motion. To fully understand this concept, one must dive into the mathematics of Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz transformations. This provides the easiest way to determine the magnetic field of a moving charge.
  • #1
waqarrashid33
77
0
A moving charge produce a megnetic.

But every motion is relative so I want to ask that If a charge is in motion w.r.t one observer but not in motion w.r.t other then what will each observe about the magnetic field of charge?
 
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  • #2
This is a good starting point for Special Relativity. Clearly to someone moving along with the charge there will be no magnetic field produced, only an electrostatic field.

To someone moving relative to the charge, (equivalently someone "stationary" when the charge is moving) does see a magnetic field but also sees a different electric field.

The solution to this seeming paradox is that we treat the electric and magnetic components as parts of a unified electromagnetic field. How we break it down into electric and magnetic components is relative to our frame of motion.

Then once you look at Maxwell's equations you can see that they are not invariant under Galilean relativity transformations but are under Lorentz transformations. They are only correct under Einstein's Special Relativity, not Galilean Relativity.

To appreciate this best you need to swim through the mathematics of it.
[tex] \mathbf{F}' = \Lambda\mathbf{F}\Lambda^T[/tex]
where [itex]F[/itex] is the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_tensor" and [itex]\Lambda[/itex] is the boost matrix transforming to the new frame of motion.

This is the easiest way (once you have the math and physics tools) to determine the magnetic field of a moving charge. First express the electrostatic field in the charges frame and then Lorentz transform back to the original frame.
 
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1. What is the relationship between the motion of a charge and reference frames?

The motion of a charge is affected by the reference frame in which it is observed. In one reference frame, the charge may appear to be stationary, while in another reference frame it may appear to be moving at a certain velocity. This is known as the relativity of motion.

2. How does the effect of motion of a charge differ between two reference frames?

The effect of motion of a charge can differ between two reference frames due to the relative motion of the frames themselves. This means that the observed motion of the charge can appear to be different depending on the reference frame from which it is viewed.

3. What is the significance of considering two different reference frames in the study of the effect of motion of a charge?

Considering two different reference frames allows us to understand the relativity of motion and how it affects the behavior of a charge. It also helps us to make accurate predictions and calculations about the motion of a charge in different situations.

4. How does the effect of motion of a charge in two different reference frames relate to the theory of relativity?

The theory of relativity states that the laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames. This means that the effect of motion of a charge should be consistent in different reference frames, but the way it is observed may differ due to the relative motion of the frames themselves.

5. Can the effect of motion of a charge be observed in non-inertial reference frames?

Yes, the effect of motion of a charge can also be observed in non-inertial reference frames, such as frames that are accelerating or rotating. However, in these frames, the laws of physics may not appear to be the same, leading to additional factors that must be taken into consideration when studying the motion of a charge.

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