Writing the Faraday tensor for a particle in an E field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the non-zero components of the Faraday tensor for a charged particle in a constant electric field. The participant correctly identifies the electric field vector as E = E_y j, leading to the conclusion that the Faraday tensor has two non-zero components: F^{02} = -E_y and F^{20} = +E_y. The participant initially struggles with the equations of motion, questioning the presence of magnetic components, but ultimately realizes that their initial assessment of the tensor was accurate.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory, specifically the Faraday tensor.
  • Familiarity with vector notation in physics.
  • Knowledge of Lorentz transformations and their implications in different reference frames.
  • Basic principles of classical mechanics related to charged particles in electric fields.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and properties of the Faraday tensor in detail.
  • Learn about the role of magnetic fields in electromagnetic theory.
  • Explore the equations of motion for charged particles in electromagnetic fields using the Lorentz force law.
  • Investigate the implications of different reference frames on electromagnetic phenomena.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and researchers focusing on classical field theory and particle dynamics in electric fields.

peterjaybee
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Homework Statement



A particle of charge q and mass m is traveling in the lab with velocity v in the x direction when it encounters a constant E-field in the y direction. State the non zero components of the Faraday tensor in the rest frame of the lab.


The Attempt at a Solution



I said
[tex]E=E_{x}i + E_{y}j + E_{z}k[/tex]
As the field is in the y direction
[tex]E=E_{y}j[/tex]

Thus I believe the faraday tensot to have 2 non-zero components.
[tex]F^{02}=-E_{y}[/tex] and [tex]F^{20}=+E_{y}[/tex]

This does not seem right as the next part of the question asks for the equations of motion for the particle which I get out as a load of 0's.

Am I missing a magnetic component, and if so, how do I get it?

Regards
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Don't replace Ey with F01 + F10, if that's what your doing.
 
just realized i got the indicies wrong. Now the original post is correct.
 

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