A few questions about charged particles

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interactions of charged particles in magnetic fields, specifically focusing on their motion, the effects of magnetic fields on these particles, and the nature of their interactions with each other. The scope includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications regarding electromagnetic forces and particle dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how a charged particle's motion in a magnetic field interacts with particles that are not influenced by that field, particularly regarding the density of the magnetic field inside versus outside the particle's circular path.
  • Another participant suggests that magnetic fields from different sources do not interact but rather add up, and proposes that the magnetic field strength may change based on calculations.
  • A participant clarifies that the interaction between an electron and a positive particle moving perpendicular to it would be purely electric, despite initial assumptions about the influence of the magnetic field.
  • There is a mention of the complexity of interactions between oppositely charged particles moving perpendicularly, with references to Maxwell's equations and retarded potentials for further exploration.
  • One participant notes that the influence of magnetic fields relative to electric fields scales with the velocity of the particles, indicating that for nonrelativistic speeds, magnetic effects may be negligible.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of interactions between charged particles in magnetic fields, with some asserting purely electric interactions while others suggest the potential for complex magnetic influences. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of these interactions and the implications of magnetic field contributions.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the need for calculations to clarify the behavior of magnetic fields in relation to moving charges, and there are references to specific equations and concepts that may require further exploration to fully understand the interactions discussed.

Samson4
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I understand the basic forces moving charges experience in magnetic fields. I dont; however, understand how these these charges would interact with particles uninfluenced by the magnetic field.

1. If a charged particle is moving perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field, it will follow a circular path. Does the particles motion create a magnetic field that interacts with magnetic field that is applying a force to it? For example, will the magnetic field strength inside the circular path be at a higher density than outside the path of the particle?

2. If an electron is moving in a circular path in a magnetic field, experiencing a lorentz force. But, just inside it's circular path, the magnetic field strength falls off to zero. A positive particle with a velocity perpendicular to this path, originating from the center of the circle, is uninfluenced by the magnetic field. How will the electron and positive particle interact in the area before the positive charge enters the magnetic field?

3. How do oppositely charged particles influence each other if they are moving perpendicular to each other? Is it purely attraction or are their complex magnetic interactions that explain their movements. What terms can I search to research this interaction?
 
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Magnetic fields from different sources do not really interact with each other - the magnetic fields just add up. Yes, a particle moving in a circle will change the magnetic field (a tiny bit).
Samson4 said:
For example, will the magnetic field strength inside the circular path be at a higher density than outside the path of the particle?
Or does it get weaker? You can calculate it to check.
Samson4 said:
A positive particle with a velocity perpendicular to this path
Perpendicular to a circle? So along the magnetic field lines outside?
Samson4 said:
How will the electron and positive particle interact in the area before the positive charge enters the magnetic field?
In the same way they would without magnetic field.
Samson4 said:
3. How do oppositely charged particles influence each other if they are moving perpendicular to each other? Is it purely attraction or are their complex magnetic interactions that explain their movements.
It can get complicated.
You can always take the Maxwell equation and calculate the electric and magnetic field everywhere. Retarded potentials can be useful as well.
 
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No, the positive particles are originating in the center of the electron's circular path, moving perpendicular to the electron.

This interaction would be purely electric? I thought it would have a cycloid type motion because of a lorrentz force due to a magnetic field acompaning the electrons circular path.
 
In general, if anything is moving relative to whatever you want to consider, magnetic fields have some influence. Their contribution relative to the electric fields scales with v/c with the velocity v and the speed of light c, so for nonrelativistic particles they are often negligible.
 
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