Electric+Magnetic Force Between a & b Charges: Inertial Frames

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the electric and magnetic forces experienced by moving charges a and b in different inertial frames. In the lab frame, both electric and magnetic forces are present, while in the rest frame of either charge, only the electric force is observed. It is established that electric and magnetic fields are interrelated and cannot be distinctly separated in relativistic contexts. The concept of 4-force, as defined by the Lorentz force equation, is crucial for understanding the dynamics of charged particles across different frames.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz force and its implications in electromagnetism.
  • Familiarity with the concept of inertial reference frames in physics.
  • Knowledge of the Lorentz factor and its role in relativistic physics.
  • Basic understanding of electromagnetic fields, specifically electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the Lorentz force equation in various inertial frames.
  • Explore the relationship between electric and magnetic fields through Maxwell's equations.
  • Learn about the concept of 4-force and its significance in relativistic mechanics.
  • Investigate the implications of proper acceleration in different inertial frames.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, students of electromagnetism, and anyone interested in the relativistic effects on charged particles and electromagnetic interactions.

Tahmeed
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Let's assume that a and b charges are moving. now in our lab frame there will be a electric+magnetic force whereas in a rest frame of either of the charges, there will be only an electric force.
So, two inertial observers will measure different forces?
 
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Tahmeed said:
So, two inertial observers will measure different forces?
Relativistically, it is not really accurate to separate the electric and magnetic forces. What appears as an only an electric field in one frame will appear as a magnetic and an electric field in others. The electric and magnetic fields are two sides of the same coin.

Also, the concept of a regular 3-force is not invariant between frames. What you want to look at is the 4-force acting on an object and its corresponding proper acceleration.
 
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In any inertial reference frame the force on a charged particle is given by Lorentz
$$m \frac{\mathrm{d}^2 x^{\mu}}{\mathrm{d} \tau^2} = K^{\mu}=\frac{q}{c} F^{\mu \nu} \frac{\mathrm{d} x_{\nu}}{\mathrm{d} \tau},$$
i.e., the spatial components are
$$\vec{K}^{\mu} = \gamma q \left (\vec{E}+\frac{\vec{v}}{c} \times \vec{B} \right ),$$
where ##\vec{v}=\mathrm{d} \vec{x}/\mathrm{d} t## is the usual three-velocity in the given inertial reference frame, ##\gamma=(1-\vec{v}^2/c^2)^{-1/2}## the Lorentz factor, ##q## the electric charge of the particle, and ##(\vec{E},\vec{B})## the electromagnetic field.
 

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