Are Electromagnetic Fields Equal in Different Frames?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of electromagnetic fields produced by a moving charge in different reference frames. In the lab frame, the electric field is calculated as E = q/γ²d² in the negative x direction. However, in the charge frame, due to length contraction, the field is expressed as E = γ²q/d², leading to a discrepancy between the two frames. The key issue arises from the incorrect application of spacetime coordinates, necessitating the use of Lorentz transformations to accurately relate the frames.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic fields and their equations
  • Familiarity with Lorentz transformations
  • Knowledge of special relativity concepts, including time dilation and length contraction
  • Basic proficiency in vector calculus as applied to physics
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  • Study the application of Lorentz transformations in electromagnetic theory
  • Explore the implications of special relativity on electric and magnetic fields
  • Learn about the concept of field transformations between different inertial frames
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This discussion is beneficial for physicists, students of electromagnetism, and anyone studying the effects of special relativity on electromagnetic fields.

PineApple2
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Hello. Here is the problem:
A charge q is moving at speed v0 to the right in the lab frame. At t=0 the particle passes at the origin (0,0,0). calculate the field at (-d,0,0) at the instant it passes the origin, both in the lab frame and in the charge frame. are they equal?

My solution:

In the lab frame, the field is
[tex] \frac{q}{\gamma^2 d^2}[/tex]
in the negative x direction. By the transformation of parallel fields, [tex]E_{||}'=E_{||}[/tex] so the result in the charge frame should be the same.
However working in the charge frame,
[tex] E=-\frac{q}{d'^2}, \qquad d'=d/\gamma[/tex]
because of length contraction. therefore the field in the charge frame is
[tex] E=-\frac{q}{(d/\gamma)^2}=\frac{\gamma^2 q}{d^2}[/tex]
these are not equal, the gamma here is in the "wrong place".
what is going on here?
thanks.
 
Last edited:
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The spacetime point [itex]x^\mu = (ct, x, y, z) = (0, -d, 0, 0)[/itex] doesn't correspond to the point [itex]x'^\mu = (ct', x', y', z') = (0, -d/γ, 0, 0)[/itex] as you've assumed. You need to use the Lorentz transformations to find the correct [itex]x'^\mu[/itex].
 

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