Is Coulomb's law valid in a non-inertial frame?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of charges in a non-inertial frame and whether or not the Coulomb force and radiation would be affected. The response explains that in a constant proper acceleration frame, the Coulomb force would be distorted and radiation would not occur. This means that Coulomb's law would not be valid in this scenario.
  • #1
xxxyyy
14
2
Hi,
I was wondering, if the charges do not move in a non inertial frame and I don't move too in this frame, will I see the same Coulomb force, some fictitious forces and radiation coming from these static charges?
Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
A.T. said:
just a distorted Coulomb force field
Note that the distorted field means that Coulomb’s law is not valid. So the short but correct answer to the OP’s question is “no”.
 
  • Like
Likes SammyS

1. Is Coulomb's law valid in a non-inertial frame?

Yes, Coulomb's law is valid in a non-inertial frame as long as the frame is not accelerating with respect to an inertial frame. This is because Coulomb's law is based on the fundamental principles of electrostatics, which are independent of the frame of reference.

2. How does Coulomb's law change in a non-inertial frame?

In a non-inertial frame, Coulomb's law remains the same in terms of its mathematical form. However, the values of the electric field and force may appear to be different due to the effects of acceleration and fictitious forces.

3. Can Coulomb's law be applied in all reference frames?

No, Coulomb's law can only be applied in inertial reference frames. In non-inertial frames, the effects of acceleration and fictitious forces can alter the values of the electric field and force, making Coulomb's law invalid.

4. What is an example of a non-inertial frame where Coulomb's law is not valid?

An example of a non-inertial frame where Coulomb's law is not valid is a rotating frame. In this frame, fictitious forces such as the centrifugal force can alter the values of the electric field and force, making Coulomb's law invalid.

5. How does relativity affect Coulomb's law in a non-inertial frame?

In the theory of relativity, Coulomb's law is modified to include the effects of time dilation and length contraction. In a non-inertial frame, these effects can also alter the values of the electric field and force, making Coulomb's law invalid.

Similar threads

Replies
14
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • Classical Physics
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
5
Views
795
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
24
Views
1K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Mechanics
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
963
Replies
2
Views
787
Back
Top