Can we produce magnetic field from stationary charge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on whether a stationary charge can produce a magnetic field, exploring the fundamental principles of electromagnetism and the conditions under which magnetic fields arise. Participants examine the roles of motion, time-dependent electric fields, and particle spin in generating magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that magnetic fields require moving charges, time-dependent electric fields, or the intrinsic spin of particles.
  • One participant questions if it is possible to create a time-varying electric field without moving the charge itself.
  • Another participant suggests that electromagnetic radiation could be a source of a magnetic field, although the origin of this radiation is not specified.
  • There is a belief expressed that a charged particle in an oscillating gravitational field might radiate, referencing the principle of equivalence.
  • Some participants discuss the implications of observing radiating particles from their rest frames, raising questions about the nature of radiation in non-inertial frames.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the possibility of producing a magnetic field from a stationary charge, with multiple competing views on the conditions necessary for magnetic field generation.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on assumptions about the nature of gravitational fields and radiation, and the discussion includes unresolved questions regarding the behavior of charged particles in various frames of reference.

Ahsan Khan
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Dear all, I know the sources of magnetic field are moving charges or varying electric field. I also know that subatomic particles(even neutron) have their own magnetic moment due to its quark and spin and their magnetic moment is explained by invoking quantum mechanics(though I don't know how because to be true I do not have detailed knowledge of the subject of quantum mechanics). However my question is not about the intrinsic magnetic moments of subatomic charge particles but about some charge at rest. Suppose I have a charge particle at some point in space and I can say at some other point in space there is an electric field that's fine. Now my question is can I get a magnetic field at some point due to this charge without making the charge in motion?

Regards
 
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No.

You need motion, time-dependent electric fields, or the spin of particles to have magnetic fields.
 
mfb said:
No.

You need motion, time-dependent electric fields, or the spin of particles to have magnetic fields.
Thank you :)
 
mfb said:
No.

You need motion, time-dependent electric fields, or the spin of particles to have magnetic fields.
One more thing to ask, Isn't there a way to produce time-varing electric field without moving the very charge?
 
Electromagnetic radiation, if you ignore where this radiation would come from. Apart from that: No.
 
I am not sure but believe that if a charged particle is stationary in an oscillating (e.g. sinusoidal) gravitational field then it will radiate.

At least that is what the principle of equivalence predicts.

In any case take any radiating particle. You can always observe it from within its rest frame. I believe it will still radiate.
 
Justintruth said:
In any case take any radiating particle. You can always observe it from within its rest frame. I believe it will still radiate.
That rest frame is not an inertial frame then.

If charged particles following geodesics radiate (e. g. if they make a hyperbolic orbit around a star) is still discussed.
 
Justintruth said:
I am not sure but believe that if a charged particle is stationary in an oscillating (e.g. sinusoidal) gravitational field then it will radiate.

At least that is what the principle of equivalence predicts.

In any case take any radiating particle. You can always observe it from within its rest frame. I believe it will still radiate.

It will not, it does not, and it will not.
 

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