Few questions about Lorentz force

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The discussion clarifies the two equations for the Lorentz force: F = qE + qv × B includes the electric field component, while F = qv × B applies when the electric field is zero. The first equation should be used in general situations, while the second is specific to magnetic fields alone. There is no guarantee that the Lorentz force and Poynting Flux, both involving cross products, will point in the same direction, as they represent different physical phenomena. The conversation emphasizes understanding the context and conditions under which each equation applies. Overall, the distinction between the equations is crucial for accurately applying the Lorentz force in various scenarios.
Abdul.119
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I have some confusion about the Lorentz force. First of all, I found that there are two equations for the Lorentz force: one of them is F = qE + qv × B , and the other one is just F = qv × B . What's the difference between them and how do you know which one to use?

My other question is: Is the Lorentz force always in the same direction as the Poynting Flux? since the Poynting Flux is also E cross B. If they are always in the same direction then what's the reason behind that?
 
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Abdul.119 said:
I have some confusion about the Lorentz force. First of all, I found that there are two equations for the Lorentz force: one of them is F = qE + qv × B , and the other one is just F = qv × B . What's the difference between them and how do you know which one to use?
... you should be able to figure that out for yourself. What do the symbols mean and what does the presence of the qE in the first and it's absense in the second imply about the situation?

My other question is: Is the Lorentz force always in the same direction as the Poynting Flux? since the Poynting Flux is also E cross B. If they are always in the same direction then what's the reason behind that?
Again - you should be able to figure this out for yourself by considering what the symbols mean: compare the meanings of the symbols and be specific about which equations you are comparing. Is ##\vec E\times\vec B## always in the same direction as ##\vec v\times\vec B## ? What about when ##\vec E=0##, yet ##\vec v \neq 0##?
 
From my understanding v is the velocity of the particles in the field, but doesn't this velocity exist because there is an electric field? how can you have v but no E?
 
From my understanding v is the velocity of the particles in the field, but doesn't this velocity exist because there is an electric field? how can you have v but no E?
The charge could be a bb pellet that was fired from a gun ... maybe the charge is a particle emitted from nuclear decay... maybe it comes from solar radiation ... maybe it's glass bead someone rubbed on their sweater and then they threw it between magnets ... maybe the accelerating E field was 10000000ly away and it was very local? Maybe someone switched the electric field off but kept the magnets?
 
Abdul.119 said:
I have some confusion about the Lorentz force. First of all, I found that there are two equations for the Lorentz force: one of them is F = qE + qv × B , and the other one is just F = qv × B . What's the difference between them and how do you know which one to use?
You always use the first one. You'll only see the second one when we're working with just magnetic fields, meaning that ##E## is 0 - and if ##E## is zero the two are equivalent.

My other question is: Is the Lorentz force always in the same direction as the Poynting Flux? since the Poynting Flux is also E cross B. If they are always in the same direction then what's the reason behind that?
But the Lorentz force is ##qv\times{B}## not ##E\times{B}##... These aren't the same thing and there's no reason to expect that they're pointing in the same direction.
 
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