How Does Charge Movement Affect Electric Field Perception in Different Frames?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effects of charge movement on electric field perception across different reference frames, specifically involving three charges: Charge 1 (+e), Charge 2 (-e), and Charge 3 (+e). When Charge 3 moves along the positive x-axis in a magnetic field directed in the positive y-axis, it perceives an electric field in the positive z-direction. However, in the rest frame of Charges 1 and 2, both experience an electric field in the negative z-direction, leading to contradictions regarding the acceleration of charges based on their respective frames. The induced electric fields are calculated using the Lorentz factor, resulting in E(z) = r[vxB/c] for Charge 3 and E'(z) = r[-vxB/c] for Charges 1 and 2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz transformations
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic theory, particularly the interaction of electric and magnetic fields
  • Knowledge of charge dynamics in different reference frames
  • Basic proficiency in vector calculus
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Lorentz transformations on electric and magnetic fields
  • Explore the concept of induced electric fields in moving reference frames
  • Investigate the relationship between charge acceleration and electric field perception
  • Learn about the principles of special relativity as they apply to electromagnetism
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying electromagnetism and special relativity will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the behavior of charges in varying reference frames.

vin300
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Charge 1=+e
Charge 2=-e
Charge 3=+e




If chg3 moves along the positive x in a magnetic field directed in +ve y, it sees an electric field in the +ve z, then in this frame a chg 1 and 2 both in rest in the initial frame experience an electric field in the -ve z, with the positive charge accelerated in the -ve z and negative charge in the +ve z, but this is not possible because both + and - charges are at rest in the initial frame, so in chg 3's frame both must be accelerated in -ve z.
 
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If r is the lorentz factor,in chg1 and 2's comoving rest frames, for chg3's velocity v along + x and B along + y, the induced electric field is
E(z) =r[vxB/c]
In chg3's frame, charge 1 which is positive and charge 2 which is negative both move with a velocity -v, the induced electric field for each is
E'(z)=r[-vxB/c]
This is exactly equal and opposite to the former, but only charge 1 is accelerated in - z because the force also depends on charge. Charge2 is forced along +z, but this defies logic since in chg2's frame chg3 is accelerated along +z and in chg3's frame chg2 is accelerated along + z
 

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