The discussion revolves around the generation of magnetic fields by a stream of electrons traveling at near light speed in a vacuum, and the implications for observers moving alongside the electrons. It explores concepts related to electromagnetic fields and reference frames.
The discussion contains multiple viewpoints regarding the perception of magnetic and electric fields by observers in different frames of reference, and it remains unresolved whether a stationary observer would see a magnetic field.
Participants express uncertainty regarding the effects of relative motion on the observation of electromagnetic fields, and the discussion does not resolve the implications of these effects.
rrosenthal said:Also, what would a hypothetical observer traveling at the same speed and direction as the electrons see---regarding a magnetic field---??
ModusPwnd said:This is a great question that physics people love to answer! They would not see a magnetic field. They would only see an electric field. Crazy huh? Thats how it works and that is why we often refer to the electromagnetic field as a single entity. How much of the electric part and magnetic part you see depends on how fast you are traveling (your frame of reference).