Measuring E & B Fields in Moving Frame

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the electric field (E') and magnetic field (B') in a moving frame for an observer traveling at 0.8c. The observer at rest measures E = [0,0,60] N/C and B = [0,0,0]. It is confirmed that the force on a charge q = 1 microC moving with the observer can be calculated using the equation F(em) = q[E + v/c X B], but there is confusion about the use of the appropriate frame for calculations. The participant questions whether the magnetic field contributes to the force since B = 0, leading to the conclusion that the electric field is the primary factor in this scenario. The discussion highlights the complexities of transforming fields and forces between different reference frames in special relativity.
whatsapro
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Suppose E and B are measured by an ovserver at rest to be (in N/C)
E = [0,0,60] B = [0,0,0]

Now another observer travels close by in the +x direction at a constant speed of v = .8c with respect to the other observer.

A. What is E' be in the moving frame? DONE
b. what will B' be in the moving frame? DONE
c. If a charge q = 1micro C travels with the moving observer (v = .8c in the +x direction), what is the direction of F(em) according to the observer at rest?

d. what is the direction of F(em) according ot the observer moving along witht he charge?

Homework Equations



I assume F(em) = q[E + v/c X B] or the other ref frame version

The Attempt at a Solution



Which one do I use? If the observer is at rest, wouldn't he be seeing the v = .8 c ? That would not even matter cause B = 0 anyways right? I would still use F(em) = q[E + v/c X B] right?

for part D. I would use F'(em) = q[E' + v'/c X B'] where v' = ? would it be 0 because they are traveling same v?

I understand that F(em) ne F'(em) but what is also confusing is that in both cases, the E field is the only contributing factor to the force. Is that assumption true?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Am I missing something here? Its copied exactly how it is written on paper.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
648
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K