Magnetic Field Generated By Moving Charged Objects - Confusion Explained

In summary, when a charged line and a magnetic needle are moving at the same constant velocity towards an observer, the magnetic needle will not rotate due to the cancellation of forces from the magnetic and electric fields. This applies to both an observer at rest relative to the charged line and needle, and one in motion.
  • #1
hjwu
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Suppose there is a charged line and near that line, there is a magnetic needle lying in the vertical plane of the line. The magnetic needle is radially placed. If the charged line and the magnetic needle are moving at a same constant velocity(parallel to the line, v<<c) towards an observer. I learn from the classic electrohydrodynamics that the observer will find there is a magnetic field and the magnetic needle will rotate. Am I right? Suppose there is another observer who is at rest relative to the charged line and needle, this observer will conclude that there is no magnetic field, so the magnetic needle will not rotate. What actually happened?Dose The needle rotate or not?
 
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  • #2
hjwu said:
I learn from the classic electrohydrodynamics that the observer will find there is a magnetic field and the magnetic needle will rotate. Am I right?
No. There is a magnetic field, but there is also an electric field. The forces from each cancel out so that there is no net force.

The needle does not rotate in any frame.
 
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  • #3
Dale said:
No. There is a magnetic field, but there is also an electric field. The forces from each cancel out so that there is no net force.

The needle does not rotate in any frame.
Thanks
 

1. What is a magnetic field?

A magnetic field is a region in space where a magnetic force can be detected. It is created by moving electric charges, such as electrons, and is represented by lines of force that point in the direction of the force.

2. How is a magnetic field generated by moving charged objects?

When a charged object, such as an electron, moves through space, it creates a magnetic field around it. This is because the movement of the charged object creates a circular flow of electric current, which in turn generates a magnetic field.

3. How does the strength of a magnetic field depend on the speed of the charged object?

The strength of a magnetic field is directly proportional to the speed of the charged object. This means that the faster the object moves, the stronger the magnetic field will be.

4. Can a stationary charged object generate a magnetic field?

No, a magnetic field can only be generated by a moving charged object. This is because the movement of the charged object is what creates the electric current that generates the magnetic field.

5. How does the direction of the magnetic field relate to the direction of the movement of the charged object?

The direction of the magnetic field is always perpendicular to the direction of the movement of the charged object. This means that if the charged object is moving in a straight line, the magnetic field will be in a circular shape around it.

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