Can we define a circular loop with moving electrons as magnetostatic?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that a circular loop of moving electrons can still be classified under magnetostatics despite the individual electrons undergoing acceleration. This is because the overall current remains steady over time, similar to a constant flow of water in a waterfall. The analogy illustrates that while individual particles may change velocity, the total current distribution does not vary, allowing for the application of magnetostatic principles.

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  • Knowledge of current flow and its characteristics
  • Basic physics of motion, particularly circular motion
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Mayan Fung
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When I learned magnetostatics. My teacher and book said that it is the case of steady current. However, if I consider a circular loop, the electrons are in fact moving in uniform circular motion. That means they are accelerating. How come we can still define it to be a magnetostatic situation
 
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Steady current means that the current distribution is not changing with time. The individual electrons may be in accelerated motion, but the total current is not changing with time. Imagine a smooth waterfall with a constant flow of water falling over it. A given volume of water accelerates as it falls, but it is replaced by a new volume of water falling into the space it just left, so that the overall flow of water is constant in time.
 
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That's a great analogy! Thanks!
 

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