Increase in surface charge density in different frames of reference

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of relativistic velocity addition in Purcell's "Electricity and Magnetism," specifically regarding equation 5.22. Participants clarify that the equation uses the transformation u'=(u-v)/(1-uv/c^2) to calculate the primed velocity of electrons, which is appropriate for the lab frame. The confusion arises from the terminology used in the book, where equation G.7 is referred to as the "formula for addition of velocities," while the inverse transformation, G.8, is more accurately described as such. This distinction is crucial for correctly interpreting the velocities in different frames of reference.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity and velocity transformations
  • Familiarity with Purcell's "Electricity and Magnetism" textbook
  • Knowledge of the equations for relativistic velocity addition
  • Basic concepts of electric charge and electron dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the relativistic velocity addition formulas
  • Review the concepts of primed and unprimed frames in special relativity
  • Examine examples of electron behavior in different reference frames
  • Read about the implications of relativistic effects on electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism and special relativity, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to velocity transformations in different frames of reference.

lys04
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I am reading Purcell's Electricity and Magnetism and am getting confused on equation 5.22. It seems to me they are using relativistic velocity addition for u' which is u'=(u-v)/(1-uv/c^2), but aren't we solving for the velocity of the electrons in the test charge's frame of reference, so should be using the reverse transformation instead? i.e u=(u'+v)/(1+u'v/c^2)?
The only way this equation has the correct sign is if v=-v though, I guess this makes sense because if in the lab's frame the test charge is moving to the right with velocity v then in the test charge's frame of reference the lab is moving to the left with same speed?
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lys04 said:
I am reading Purcell's Electricity and Magnetism and am getting confused on equation 5.22. It seems to me they are using relativistic velocity addition for u' which is u'=(u-v)/(1-uv/c^2), but aren't we solving for the velocity of the electrons in the test charge's frame of reference, so should be using the reverse transformation instead? i.e u=(u'+v)/(1+u'v/c^2)?
No, they want to calculate the primed velocity of the electrons.

In the book is misleading, that they call (before Eq. 5.22) the Eq. G.7 "formula for addition of velocities". That name fits better to the inverse of it, Eq. G.8.
 

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