Electrodynamics(?): finding position of particles in function of time?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the positions of two interacting charged particles, A and B, in an empty universe over time, using principles of electromagnetism. The initial approach involves integrating their velocities and accelerations, but it is highlighted that the magnetic force must also be considered due to the particles' motion. The Lorentz force equation, which incorporates both electric and magnetic fields, is essential for accurate calculations. For complex interactions, Lagrangian mechanics is recommended as a robust method for solving the trajectories of the particles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetism, specifically the Lorentz force.
  • Knowledge of calculus, particularly integration techniques.
  • Familiarity with Lagrangian mechanics and its application in physics.
  • Basic concepts of particle dynamics and motion in fields.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Lorentz force and its implications in particle motion.
  • Learn about Lagrangian mechanics and its application to multi-particle systems.
  • Explore advanced integration techniques for solving differential equations.
  • Investigate electromagnetic field theory and its effects on charged particles.
USEFUL FOR

High school students, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in advanced topics in electromagnetism and particle dynamics.

WindScars
Messages
50
Reaction score
0
Im still on high school so I don't know where this question belongs to, I don't know even what is the exact subject of this question, so I would like you more experienced members to help me understand what exactly I am asking and where I can find information about it:

"In an empty universe, two particles, A and B, are instantly created at time=0s with an arbitrary position, mass, charge and velocity. They interact by electromagnetism and nothing else. How to find their positions in function of time?"

I have attempted solving it this way: their positions are the an integral of their velocities, right? Their velocities are an integral of their accelerations. Their accelerations are a function of their distances, that is a function of their positions. So in the end I had something like:
[itex]posA(t) = \int_0^t \int_0^t(\frac{k*qA*qB}{|posA(t)-posB(t)|²*mA}) dtdt[/itex]
Well its probably wrong and even if it were right Id have no idea of how to solve it. But you got the idea. Thoughts please.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It looks like you're including only the electric force. In general, you have to include the effect of the magnetic force which depends on the speed and direction of motion of both particles.
 
Yeah I think this is going to be beyond high school mathematics and physics. The fact that you will have accelerating charges means that there will be electromagnetic fields as opposed to purely electric as jtbell stated. Normally the calculation of the trajectory of a charged particle in an electromagnetic field would not be too daunting. You would just take the Lorentz force,

[tex]\mathbf{F} = q\left(\mathbf{E} + \mathbf{v}\times\mathbf{B} \right) = m \frac{d \mathbf{v}}{dt} = m \frac{d^2 \mathbf{x}}{dt^2}[/tex]

You could perform the integrations above and use your initial conditions to find the unknown constants. But since you have two charges that will both be accelerating and interacting with each other then it becomes a much more difficult problem. The most general way of solving this would probably to use Lagrangian mechanics to find the trajectory. This would include the interaction of the particles with the fields and each other as their trajectories evolve.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
998
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
11K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K