Electromagnetism static charge and forces

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
2 replies · 1K views · last reply
The black vegetable
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
Hi
Everyone, I'm trying to justify to myself why

|F(a)| > |F(b)| > |F(c)|

Three panels (a), (b), (c) each show two charged particles, A above and B below, with the electromagnetic force on A drawn as an arrow; in (a) B is at rest and the force is upward, in (b) both are at rest with force upward, and in (c) both move right with velocity v and the force is shorter, with the inequality |F(a)| > |F(b)| > |F(c)| above.


I think I can see why

|F(b)| > |F(c)|

due to special relativity case c observed from
the charges point of view would observe
the charges closer due to lorentz
contraction. As the charge is invariant would
result in a greater force?

However I can't justify to myself why
|F(a)| > |F(b)|

many thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The black vegetable said:
would observe the charges closer due to lorentz contraction.
In which direction is the contraction?
 
Please ignore my justification, I see now it's wrongIm Just trying to find out why

|F(a)| > |F(b)| > |F(c)|

I know that |F(a)| and |F(c)| have the same
electric force independent of motion and that the weaker force
experienced by |F(c)| is a result magnetic attraction

but can't see why
|F(a)| > |F(b)|

I'm new to electromagnetism

many thanks