The discussion explores the differences between the motion of electrons in a magnetic field and planets in a gravitational field, focusing on the nature of central forces and the underlying physics principles. Participants examine the mathematical and conceptual frameworks that govern these motions, including references to classical and quantum physics.
Participants express differing views on the classification of magnetic forces and their effects on motion, with no consensus reached on the fundamental differences between the two types of motion discussed.
Limitations include the potential misunderstanding of the nature of magnetic forces, the historical context of classical physics versus quantum mechanics, and the unresolved questions regarding the behavior of charged particles in fields.
Originally posted by cookiemonster
Magnetic forces are central? That's news to me!
Thanks for your nice explanations and references. Central here I mean in the centre of the orbit. I'm in grade 11, but I still can't follow you well. I will study more. Then, If the magnetic force is inverse to the radius? I know I may ask a stupid question. But they really puzzle me.
Originally posted by Student08
Originally posted by cookiemonster
Magnetic forces are central? That's news to me!
Thanks for your nice explanations and references. Central here I mean in the centre of the orbit. I'm in grade 11, but I still can't follow you well. I will study more. Then, If the magnetic force is inverse to the radius? I know I may ask a stupid question. But they really puzzle me.
In classical physics the electric force follows the same inverse square law as Newton's gravity. That would hold the elecrically charged electrons in classical orbits, just like a little solar system, and about 1900 that was the theory.
But even at that time there was a problem with the little solar system model of the atom. All electromagnetism is governed, so they understood at that time, by Maxwell's equations. And Maxwell's equations say that an accelerated charge must radiate electromagnetic waves and lose energy that way. And turning aside from a straight line path, as in orbiting, is acceleration. So why don't the electrons in the atom radiate and lose energy?
Well to collapse a lot of history, quantum physics was discovered, and it was seen that the electrons really don't have a well defined position or path, those things are only defined probabilistically. So electromagnetism is saved, but quantum weirdness comes in.