Newton's Third Law - Weak Form Application

AI Thread Summary
Newton's Third Law applies in weak form primarily in the context of electromagnetic forces, particularly when considering the interactions between moving charges. An example discussed involves two identical charges moving in perpendicular directions, where the magnetic forces they exert on each other do not directly oppose the electrical forces, yet the total force remains equal and opposite. This scenario highlights that while the forces may not be directly opposite, momentum is conserved due to the momentum carried by the electromagnetic fields. For further exploration of these concepts, consulting texts on electrodynamics, such as Griffiths, is recommended. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping the nuances of electromagnetic interactions.
DaTario
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Hi all,

I would like to know in which circunstances the third law applies just in the weak form.

Thank you

DaTario
 
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Mostly involving electromagnetic forces.
 
Could you give an example. Doesn't the Lorentz force obey Newton's third law ?
 
Consider two identical charges moving along the x and y axes with same speed away from the origin. The electrical forces between them is repulsive, but now just find out how the magnetic forces between them behave. You don't have to calculate -- just roughly think of the charges as currents and find the direction of the associated magnetic fields like we do for currents.

The total force of one on the other is equal to the force of the other on the former, but they are not opposite.

Ultimately, momentum will be conserved, because the fields themselves carry momentum.
 
Thank you a lot.

Best wishes

DaTario
 
Consider two identical charges moving along the x and y axes with same speed away from the origin. The electrical forces between them is repulsive, but now just find out how the magnetic forces between them behave. You don't have to calculate -- just roughly think of the charges as currents and find the direction of the associated magnetic fields like we do for currents.

The total force of one on the other is equal to the force of the other on the former, but they are not opposite.

Ultimately, momentum will be conserved, because the fields themselves carry momentum.

Any link where this example is further explained ?
Thanks.
 
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