OK FINE, magnetism is explained away by relativity

In summary, the relationship between the electric and magnetic fields is dependent on the sign of E^2 - B^2 and cannot be transformed into purely electric configurations by a Lorentz transformation. E \cdot B and E^2 - B^2 are both Lorentz-invariants and if B=0 and E \neq 0 in one frame, then E \cdot B = 0 and E^2 - B^2 > 0 in all frames. However, if E \cdot B \neq 0 or if E \cdot B = 0 and E^2 - B^2 < 0 in one frame, then there does not exist a frame in which B = 0.
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  • #2
Afaik there are configurations of the electric and magnetic field (dependent on the sign of [tex]E^2 - B^2[/tex], which cannot be transformed into purely electric configurations by a Lorentz transformation.
 
  • #3
[itex]E \cdot B[/itex] and [itex]E^2 - B^2[/itex] are both Lorentz-invariants. If [itex]B=0[/itex] and [itex]E \neq 0[/itex] in one frame, then [itex]E \cdot B = 0[/itex] and [itex]E^2 - B^2 > 0[/itex] in that frame, and hence in all frames.

Also, if [itex]E \cdot B \neq 0[/itex] or if [itex]E \cdot B = 0[/itex] and [itex]E^2 - B^2 < 0[/itex] in one frame, then there does not exist a frame in which [itex]B = 0[/itex].
 
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  • #4
No comprende, but thanks for the effort.
 

1. What is the relationship between magnetism and relativity?

The relationship between magnetism and relativity is that magnetism is a relativistic effect. This means that the observed magnetic force between two objects is a result of their relative motion, rather than a fundamental force of nature.

2. How does relativity explain magnetism?

Relativity explains magnetism through the theory of special relativity, which states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion. This means that the observed magnetic force between two objects is a result of their relative motion, rather than a fundamental force of nature.

3. Does this mean that magnetism is not a real force?

No, magnetism is still a real force. It is just that the underlying cause of magnetism is the relative motion between two objects, rather than being a fundamental force of nature like gravity or electromagnetism.

4. How does this explanation affect our understanding of magnetism?

This explanation of magnetism as a relativistic effect does not change our understanding of how magnetism works. It simply provides a different perspective on the underlying cause of the force, which is still observable and measurable in the same way.

5. Are there any practical implications of this explanation?

There are no significant practical implications of this explanation for magnetism. The traditional equations and principles of magnetism will still apply, and the observed effects of magnetism will remain the same. However, understanding the connection between magnetism and relativity can provide a deeper understanding of the fundamental laws of physics.

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