Prove Lorentz Transformations: |E|>|cB| & Angle b/t E & B

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the properties of electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields under Lorentz transformations. Key conclusions include that if E is perpendicular to B in one Lorentz frame, it remains perpendicular in all frames. Additionally, if the magnitude of E exceeds cB in one frame, it does so in all frames. The angle between E and B retains its acute or obtuse nature across all frames. Finally, if E is perpendicular to B but their magnitudes are not equal, there exists a frame where the field is purely electric or magnetic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Lorentz transformations in special relativity
  • Vector calculus and dot products
  • Understanding of electromagnetic field theory
  • Knowledge of the speed of light (c) and its implications in physics
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  • Study the mathematical derivation of Lorentz transformations
  • Explore the implications of the Poynting vector in electromagnetic theory
  • Learn about the conditions for fields to be purely electric or magnetic
  • Investigate the relationship between electric and magnetic fields in different inertial frames
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Physicists, students of electromagnetism, and anyone studying the principles of special relativity and electromagnetic field interactions.

LocationX
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I need to show that:
1. if E is [itex]\perp[/itex] to B in one Lorentz frame, it is [itex]\perp[/itex] in all Lorentz frames
2. [itex]|E|>|cB|[/itex] in L. frame, [itex]|E|>|cB|[/itex] in all L. frame
3. Angle b/t E and B is acute/obtuse in L. frame, it is acute/obtuse in all L. frame
4. E is [itex]\perp[/itex] to B but [itex]|E|\neq|cB|[/itex], then there is a frame which the field is purely electric or magnetic

Attempt:
1. I believe I just show that [itex]\bar{E} \cdot \bar{B} =E \cdot B[/itex]
2. I believe I just show [itex]\bar{E}^2-c^2 \bar{B}^2 =E^2-B^2c^2[/itex] so that if [itex]|E|>|cB|[/itex], then [itex]\bar{E}^2-c^2 \bar{B}^2[/itex] is positive and thus [itex]E^2-B^2c^2[/itex] has to be positive, thus, [itex]|E|>|cB|[/itex] in all frames.

Not too sure where to start for 3 and 4. Open to suggestions, also it would be great if someone could check my approach for 1 and 2. thanks.
 
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LocationX said:
3. Angle b/t E and B is acute/obtuse in L. frame, it is acute/obtuse in all L. frame
4. E is [itex]\perp[/itex] to B but [itex]|E|\neq|cB|[/itex], then there is a frame which the field is purely electric or magnetic

Hi LocationX! :smile:

Your answers to 1 and 2 seem fine. :smile:

3 should be similar to 1 … what is the sign of E.B if the angle between is acute?

4: I suggest you start with the simple case of |E| > c|B|, and B and E along the x-direction and y-direction respectively, and see what happens when you transform parallel to the x-direction. :smile:
 

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