Special relativity - angles between fields

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the invariance of the angle ##\theta## between electric field ##\vec{E}## and magnetic field ##\vec{B}## in electromagnetic fields under special relativity. The key conclusion is that ##\theta## is invariant at values of ##\frac{\pi}{2}## or ##\frac{3\pi}{2}##, indicating that when the fields are perpendicular in one inertial frame, they remain perpendicular in all inertial frames. The participant attempts to prove this using the invariance of the dot product ##\vec{E}\cdot\vec{B}##, but seeks a more rigorous proof involving field transformations under Lorentz boosts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts, particularly Lorentz transformations.
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic field theory, specifically the behavior of electric and magnetic fields.
  • Knowledge of vector calculus, including dot products and vector components.
  • Ability to manipulate and apply equations related to electromagnetic fields under transformations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Lorentz transformations for electric and magnetic fields.
  • Learn about the invariance of physical quantities in special relativity, focusing on dot products.
  • Explore the implications of electromagnetic field transformations in different inertial frames.
  • Investigate rigorous proofs of invariance in electromagnetic theory, particularly using tensor calculus.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism and special relativity, as well as educators seeking to deepen their understanding of field interactions in different inertial frames.

Aleolomorfo
Messages
70
Reaction score
4

Homework Statement


In an electromagnetic filed, the elctric field ##\vec{E}## forms an angle ##\theta## with the magnetic field ##\vec{B}##, and ##\theta## is invariant for all inertial observers. Finding the value of ##\theta##.

Homework Equations


Tranformations of fields perpendicular to the boost:
$$\vec{E'}=\gamma(\vec{E}+(\vec{v}\times\vec{B})_\perp)$$
$$\vec{B'}=\gamma(\vec{B}-(\vec{v}\times\vec{E})_\perp)$$

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that the only ##\theta## that is invariant in ##\frac{\pi}{2}## or ##\frac{3\pi}{2}##, so when the fields are perpendicular. I have always showed it in this way: I use the invariance of ##\vec{E}\cdot\vec{B}=\vec{E'}\cdot\vec{B'}##, so ##EB\cos{\theta}=E'B'\cos{\theta'}##. If ##\theta'=0##, ##\theta## must also be ##0## to hold the equality. Consequently if they are perpendicular in one frame, they are perpendicular in all the other, otherwise the invariance of ##\vec{E}\cdot\vec{B}## does not hold.
I know this is not the best proof, but I think it is in some way logically. However, the exercise wants a rigorous proof.
I have tried using ##\vec{E}\cdot\vec{B}## better but it is a vicious circle. I have aligned the x-axis along ##\vec{E}## and y-axis in order to have the two vectors in the ##xy## plane.
$$\vec{E}=E\vec{x}$$
$$\vec{B}=B(\cos{\theta}\vec{x}+\sin{\theta}\vec{y})$$
I have written ##E'## and ##B'## using the fields-transfromations for a boost along z:
$$E'_x=\gamma(E-vB\sin{\theta})$$
$$E'_y=\gamma v B\cos{\theta}$$
$$B'_x=\gamma B\cos{\theta}$$
$$B'_y=\gamma(B\sin{\theta}-vE)$$
But then everything I have done is inconclusive. I do not know how to conclude the demonstration.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Aleolomorfo said:
I know this is not the best proof
Why? It uses invariants. As physicists we love invariants.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
26
Views
6K