Does Newton's Third Law apply to magnetism?

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SUMMARY

Newton's Third Law applies to magnetism, asserting that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When a moving charge generates a magnetic field, it exerts a magnetic force on another charge. This interaction confirms that the second charge also exerts a magnetic force on the first charge, equal in magnitude but opposite in direction. The relationship is further clarified by the fact that the relative velocities of the charges are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, with the magnetic force being proportional to this velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Third Law of Motion
  • Basic knowledge of electromagnetic theory
  • Familiarity with the concept of magnetic fields
  • Knowledge of charge interactions and forces
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  • Study the principles of electromagnetic induction
  • Explore the Lorentz force law and its implications
  • Investigate the relationship between electric fields and magnetic fields
  • Learn about the role of velocity in magnetic force calculations
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Students of physics, educators teaching electromagnetism, and anyone interested in the fundamental principles of magnetism and motion.

cryora
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Newton's Third Law states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. I'm wondering if and how this applies to magnetism. I would assume that it would mean if a moving charge is creating a magnetic field that causes a magnetic force on another charge, then it can be said that the latter charge causes a magnetic force on the former charge of equal magnitude but opposite direction? I suppose this can be explained from the fact that the relative velocities of each charge is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction of each other, and the magnetic force is proportional to the velocity.
 
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cryora said:
I would assume that it would mean if a moving charge is creating a magnetic field that causes a magnetic force on another charge, then it can be said that the latter charge causes a magnetic force on the former charge of equal magnitude but opposite direction?
Yes.
I suppose this can be explained from the fact that the relative velocities of each charge is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction of each other, and the magnetic force is proportional to the velocity.
Right!
 

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