Relativistic electrical varialbes

In summary, there may be potential issues to consider regarding the electric circuits on a spaceship moving at high speeds, as seen from an external frame of reference. However, according to the principle of relativity, there should not be any impact on the physics of the circuits for observers on the spaceship itself.
  • #1
bgq
162
0
Hi,
1) How does the electric circuit variables such as Voltage, Electric current, and Resistance vary between two frame of references?
2) Based on (1): If someday we build a spaceship that move with very high speeds, are there issues to consider regarding the electric circuits in the ship?
 
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  • #2
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=631446#post4049887 might be of some interest, in that it shows a relativistic boost of a current loop. I'm not sure how clear it will be unless you're already familiar with the Loretnz transform and the charge-current 4 vector.

Of course, there won't be any impact from any of this on a spaceship that moves at very high speeds -this follows directly from the principle of relativity. If there was any such effect, you could distinguish "rapidly moving" spaceships from "stationary" ones in an absolute sense. Relativity prohibits this, and thus even a rapidly moving spaceship won't see anything different as far as the laws of physics go. In fact, there are probably a number of observers that regard you as rapidly moving, right now.
 
  • #3
bgq said:
Hi,
1) How does the electric circuit variables such as Voltage, Electric current, and Resistance vary between two frame of references?
2) Based on (1): If someday we build a spaceship that move with very high speeds, are there issues to consider regarding the electric circuits in the ship?

This is a very important topic which didn't get much attention
as did 'twin paradoxes'. If speed affects length and time, and current is dependent on time,
detailed analysis may show breakdown of Ohm's law on the ship as seen from earth.
But Ohm's law will be obeyed as seen by an observer on the ship.
 

1. What are relativistic electrical variables?

Relativistic electrical variables refer to physical quantities that describe the behavior of electrically charged particles at high speeds, approaching the speed of light. These variables take into account the effects of special relativity, where the laws of physics appear different to observers in different frames of reference.

2. What are the key relativistic electrical variables?

The key relativistic electrical variables include electric charge, electric field, magnetic field, and velocity. These variables are all interconnected and influence each other's behavior in the presence of high speeds.

3. How do relativistic electrical variables differ from classical electrical variables?

Relativistic electrical variables take into account the effects of special relativity, while classical electrical variables do not. In classical physics, the laws of electromagnetism are considered to be absolute and do not change with the observer's frame of reference. However, in relativistic physics, these laws are modified to account for differences in perception at high speeds.

4. What is the role of the Lorentz transformation in relativistic electrical variables?

The Lorentz transformation is a mathematical formula used to convert measurements between two different frames of reference in relativistic physics. It is essential in calculating relativistic electrical variables as it allows for the conversion of measurements made by an observer in one frame to be interpreted by an observer in another frame.

5. How do relativistic electrical variables affect the behavior of electrically charged particles?

Relativistic electrical variables have a significant impact on the behavior of electrically charged particles. At high speeds, the electric and magnetic fields of a charged particle are distorted, creating a new phenomenon known as electromagnetic radiation. This radiation can have various effects on the particle, including changes in its trajectory and energy.

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