Relativistic electrical varialbes

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relativistic behavior of electrical circuit variables—Voltage, Electric Current, and Resistance—when observed from different frames of reference, particularly in high-speed scenarios such as spaceships. It is established that while these variables may appear to vary between observers, the laws of physics, including Ohm's law, remain consistent within each observer's frame. The principle of relativity ensures that no absolute distinction can be made between a rapidly moving spaceship and a stationary one, thus preserving the integrity of electrical laws onboard the ship.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz Transformations
  • Familiarity with Charge-Current 4-Vectors
  • Basic knowledge of Ohm's Law
  • Concepts of Special Relativity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Lorentz Transformations on electrical circuits
  • Study the Charge-Current 4-Vector in the context of relativistic physics
  • Explore advanced topics in Special Relativity and its effects on electromagnetic fields
  • Investigate practical applications of relativistic effects in high-speed spacecraft design
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in the intersection of relativity and electrical circuit theory.

bgq
Messages
162
Reaction score
0
Hi,
1) How does the electric circuit variables such as Voltage, Electric current, and Resistance vary between two frame of references?
2) Based on (1): If someday we build a spaceship that move with very high speeds, are there issues to consider regarding the electric circuits in the ship?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=631446#post4049887 might be of some interest, in that it shows a relativistic boost of a current loop. I'm not sure how clear it will be unless you're already familiar with the Loretnz transform and the charge-current 4 vector.

Of course, there won't be any impact from any of this on a spaceship that moves at very high speeds -this follows directly from the principle of relativity. If there was any such effect, you could distinguish "rapidly moving" spaceships from "stationary" ones in an absolute sense. Relativity prohibits this, and thus even a rapidly moving spaceship won't see anything different as far as the laws of physics go. In fact, there are probably a number of observers that regard you as rapidly moving, right now.
 
bgq said:
Hi,
1) How does the electric circuit variables such as Voltage, Electric current, and Resistance vary between two frame of references?
2) Based on (1): If someday we build a spaceship that move with very high speeds, are there issues to consider regarding the electric circuits in the ship?

This is a very important topic which didn't get much attention
as did 'twin paradoxes'. If speed affects length and time, and current is dependent on time,
detailed analysis may show breakdown of Ohm's law on the ship as seen from earth.
But Ohm's law will be obeyed as seen by an observer on the ship.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 87 ·
3
Replies
87
Views
5K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
530
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K