Few questions about Lorentz force

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Lorentz force, specifically the differences between its two equations, F = qE + qv × B and F = qv × B, and the relationship between the Lorentz force and Poynting Flux. Participants explore theoretical aspects, implications of the equations, and the conditions under which each applies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the two equations for the Lorentz force and seek clarification on when to use each one.
  • One participant suggests that the presence of the electric field term (qE) implies a different situation than when it is absent, prompting others to consider the meanings of the symbols involved.
  • Another participant questions the existence of velocity (v) in the absence of an electric field (E), suggesting a dependency between the two.
  • Some participants propose various scenarios where a charged particle might have velocity without an electric field, such as being emitted from different sources or under specific conditions.
  • One participant asserts that the first equation should always be used, indicating that the second equation applies only when the electric field is zero, thus making both equations equivalent in that case.
  • There is a challenge regarding the directionality of the Lorentz force compared to Poynting Flux, with one participant noting that they are not necessarily the same and questioning the assumption that they always point in the same direction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express confusion and seek clarification on the Lorentz force equations and their implications. Multiple competing views remain regarding the relationship between the Lorentz force and Poynting Flux, as well as the conditions under which each equation is applicable.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of understanding the meanings of the symbols in the equations and the conditions under which the electric field may be zero while velocity is present. There are unresolved questions about the implications of these conditions on the Lorentz force and its direction relative to Poynting Flux.

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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