Absolute Maxwellian acceleration?

In summary, the conversation discusses a thought experiment where two spaceships fly by each other, one highly charged and the other uncharged. The observer measures the electromagnetic fields generated by the charged craft's passage. The question is whether the fields measured will be the same for both tests, where one craft accelerates while the other does not. It is concluded that the accelerated charge will radiate energy while the other will not, and it is not possible to build a device that measures fields from a specific object.
  • #1
HarryWertM
99
0
This recent thread:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=386121"
leads me to the following thought experiment:

Your spaceship flies by another spaceship which appears to be highly electrically charged. From measurement of E and B fields on board your craft, you conclude that either you or the other craft is accelerating. Without referencing any other physics besides Maxwell, can you tell which craft is accelerating? That is, you do not use any Newtonian or Einsteinian or galactic far field acceleration measurements. Only EM field measurements.
 
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  • #2
An accelerated charge will radiate...
 
  • #3
jrlaguna said:
An accelerated charge will radiate...

Accelerating charges only radiate when viewed from differently accelerating frames.
Two charges side-by-side, accelerating together do not cause radiation fields to appear against one another.

The way to tell is (for example) to map the electric field of a point charge in your ship. If it deviated from the basic Coulombic shape, then you are accelerating. Put a different way, gravity and acceleration deform electric and magnetic lines of force the same way as they change the trajectory of a moving ball. If your ball doesn't move in a strait line, you ship is accelerating or is in gravity.
 
  • #4
Ah, thank you. Now I know what I was trying to ask.

Two thought experiments. In both cases we have two space craft,. One is highly charged with a static electrical charge. The second, uncharged, craft is the observer. The two fly by each other. The observer craft measures ONLY the electromagnetic fields generated by the OTHER craft's passage, even though it obviously could do other measures. The observer measures the exterior E and B over a suitable time period.

Test 1: The charged craft flies by while accelerating at a constant rate. The observer does not accelerate.

Test 2: The observer craft flies by while accelerating at a constant rate. The charged craft does not accelerate.

Question: For identical rates of acceleration, will the the fields measured in Test 1 match the fields in Test 2?
 
  • #5
First, you can always tell if you are accelerating. You feel a force.

Second, it's not possible to build a device that measures the fields from a specific object. One can measure only the total fields.
 
  • #6
Acceleration is absolute, at least within relativity theory (both special and general) and therefore, electromagnetism. The accelerated charge will lose energy through radiation, the other one will not. @Antiphon: an accelerated dipole radiates too.
 

1. What is Absolute Maxwellian acceleration?

Absolute Maxwellian acceleration is a type of acceleration that occurs in a plasma, which is a state of matter consisting of charged particles. It is named after the physicist James Clerk Maxwell, who described the behavior of charged particles in a plasma. This type of acceleration is important in understanding the behavior of plasma in various environments, such as in space or in fusion reactors.

2. How does Absolute Maxwellian acceleration work?

Absolute Maxwellian acceleration works by causing charged particles in a plasma to gain energy and accelerate. This is achieved through the interaction of electric and magnetic fields within the plasma. The electric field causes particles to gain energy, while the magnetic field changes the direction of their motion, resulting in acceleration.

3. What are the applications of Absolute Maxwellian acceleration?

Absolute Maxwellian acceleration has many applications, including in plasma physics research, fusion energy, and astrophysics. It is also important in understanding the behavior of particles in Earth's ionosphere and in the solar wind. In fusion reactors, this type of acceleration is crucial for heating and confining the plasma to achieve fusion reactions.

4. How is Absolute Maxwellian acceleration different from other types of acceleration?

Absolute Maxwellian acceleration is different from other types of acceleration, such as thermal acceleration or electrostatic acceleration, because it relies on the interaction of both electric and magnetic fields to accelerate particles. It is also unique in its ability to accelerate particles in a plasma, which is a state of matter that is different from solids, liquids, or gases.

5. What are some challenges in studying Absolute Maxwellian acceleration?

One of the main challenges in studying Absolute Maxwellian acceleration is the complexity of plasma physics. Plasmas are highly dynamic and can exhibit a wide range of behaviors, making it difficult to accurately model and predict the effects of acceleration. Additionally, experimental studies of this type of acceleration can be challenging and require advanced equipment and techniques.

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