Do Moving Charges Generate Both Electric and Magnetic Fields?

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SUMMARY

Moving charges generate both electric and magnetic fields, which are interrelated phenomena. An observer stationary relative to a charge perceives an electric field, while a moving observer perceives a magnetic field. The discussion highlights that while the electric field from a line of static charges can be easily calculated, the electric field from moving charges does not vanish entirely; it is dependent on factors such as current and electron drift speed. Therefore, the assumption that the electric field drops to zero when charges move is incorrect.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maxwell's equations
  • Knowledge of electric and magnetic field concepts
  • Familiarity with current and electron drift speed
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between electric and magnetic fields in electromagnetism
  • Learn about the Lorentz force and its implications on moving charges
  • Explore the concept of electromagnetic waves and their propagation
  • Investigate the effects of varying current on electric and magnetic fields
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of electromagnetism and the behavior of electric and magnetic fields in relation to moving charges.

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Homework Statement



the electric field and the magnetic field are not disjoint. what may seem as an electric field to an observer stationary relative to a charge, is perceived as a magnetic field to another observer who is not stationary relative to said charge. however, there is conservation between the two because in reality, they are one and the same physical phenomenon.

* we can easily calculate the electric field due to a line of static charges, given the overall charge.

* we can also easily calculate the magnetic field due a line of moving charges given the current.

Q: Wouldn't a line of moving charges also produce 'some' non-zero electric field?

Homework Equations



Maxwell

The Attempt at a Solution


It seems awkward to me that as soon as the charges start to move, imagine the lowest possible electron drift speed, *all* of the electric field drops to 0 and is represented only as the magnetic field. My assumption would be, the greater the current, less 'electric field' produced, and the more 'magnetic field' it would produce.

I know that "the magnetic field produced by stationary charges" = 0, by definition of current. However, is the opposite also true? Namely, "the electric field produced by a line of moving charge" ? Is it always 0, or is it dependent on the current, electron drift speed, or other factor?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The electric field doesn't vanish just because the charges move. Why are you assuming it does?
 

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