Magnetic Field of a rotating point charge

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the magnetic field generated by a rotating point charge. It establishes that a stationary charged particle does not produce a magnetic field due to the absence of electric current. However, when considering a charged particle that rotates in place, the question arises whether it generates a magnetic field. The consensus is that if the charge is distributed over a non-zero volume, it results in a non-zero electric current, thus creating a magnetic field. The implications for potential energy and forces involved in such a scenario are also highlighted.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory, specifically the Lorentz force law.
  • Familiarity with electric fields and magnetic fields.
  • Knowledge of charge distribution and its effects on magnetic fields.
  • Basic concepts of quantum mechanics related to magnetic dipole moments.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of rotating charged spheres on magnetic fields.
  • Study the relationship between electric current and magnetic fields in charged particles.
  • Explore the mathematical models for point charges and their magnetic effects.
  • Investigate the quantum mechanical aspects of magnetic dipole moments.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying electromagnetism and quantum mechanics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the behavior of charged particles in magnetic fields.

ZingZang
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Not sure if this should be in quantum section, please move if necessary.

We know that:
1. A stationary particle with charge q is not affected by an external magnetic field. We can assume this particle is not magnetic at all, since it would allign and travel in relation to the magnetic effect. Correct?
2. A charged particle, moving at velocity v, is affected magnetically : F=qv X B
3. A rotating charged sphere is also affected, we can picture charges on the surface of the sphere rotating at a speed "v", so it's similar to above.

My question:
What about a charged particle rotating in one place . i.e not moving, only rotating? It has an electric field, because it has charge, and the field thus rotates too.
Will it now have a magnetic field? Will it be affected by an external magnetic field?

My thinking is that we cannot assume the size of the particle as zero, since it has a charge, and a charge requires a surface or volume to exist in, it doesn't exist in zero space. If we thus imagine the point particle as an infinitely small sphere, can we make some sense out of the math of existing equations? Has anyone come across a solution for this?
I am particularly interested in the potential energy and forces involved.
 
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What about a charged particle rotating in one place . i.e not moving, only rotating? It has an electric field, because it has charge, and the field thus rotates too.
Will it now have a magnetic field? Will it be affected by an external magnetic field?
If the charge is distributed throughout some non-zero volume (the particle is a small ball), the answer is yes to both questions, because there is non-zero electric current.

My thinking is that we cannot assume the size of the particle as zero, since it has a charge, and a charge requires a surface or volume to exist in, it doesn't exist in zero space. If we thus imagine the point particle as an infinitely small sphere, can we make some sense out of the math of existing equations? Has anyone come across a solution for this?
I am particularly interested in the potential energy and forces involved.

The charge can be distributed in a volume or it can be concentrated to a point; these are equally valid but different cases. In case of point-like charge, there is no electric current and so the magnetic field of a stationary particle and its reaction to external magnetic filed should be zero.
 

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