Lorentz model and dielectric

1. Oct 30, 2011

bahaar

Hi
I read in text for calculation dielectric constant in Lorentz model, we only regard electric field that coupled with each oscillator. So the magnetic feild of input wave has no effect in calculation of dielectric constant in this model?

2. Nov 3, 2011

Zephyron

Hi bahaar, the reason we don't consider magnetic field is because it is too weak in EM wave situation. E/B=c which is speed of light. Lorentz force qE is much greater than qvB, because v is not high enough in room temperature. But in high energy particle field, magnetic field does matter.

-Zephyron

3. Nov 4, 2011

DrDu

That's not the only reason. While B itself may be weak, the change of B with t $\partial B/\partial t=\rot E$ may be comparable to the electric field itself. However in the case of visible optics, the wavelength over which the electric field changes is much larger than the size of atoms or molecules, so that this effect is usually negligible, too. However it explains e.g. phenomena like optical activity.

4. Nov 6, 2011

bahaar

Thanks both of you.