Magnetic Force in a Moving Reference Frame
The Main Idea
The magnetic force of a moving charge depends on the velocity of the charge, and thus can differ according to different moving reference frames.
A Mathematical Model
Let's consider two moving protons to simplify the case. Suppose the two protons are initially traveling parallel to each other with the the same speed. The speed is v, and the two particles are distance, r, apart.
How would we find the electric and magnetic force that the top proton exerts on the bottom?
First: Electric force is easily calculated by calculating the electric field, [math]\displaystyle{ {\vec{E}_{top}} }[/math], at the location of proton[math]\displaystyle{ _{bottom} }[/math]. The equation for electric force is [math]\displaystyle{ {\vec{F}_{E, bottom}} = q_{bottom}{\vec{E}_{top}} }[/math]. Therefore: [math]\displaystyle{ {\vec{F}_{E, bottom}} = {\frac{1}{4πϵ_0}}{\frac{e^{2}}{r^{2}}} }[/math].
Second: Determine magnetic field. [math]\displaystyle{ {\vec{F}_{M, bottom}} }[/math] by calculating the magnetic field [math]\displaystyle{ {\vec{B}_{top}} }[/math]. [math]\displaystyle{ {\vec{B}_{top}} = {\frac{\mu_{0}}{4\pi}} }[/math] [math]\displaystyle{ {\frac{q_{top}{\vec{v}_{top}}{\times}{\hat{r}}}{r^{2}}} }[/math]. Using this equation and right hand rule, we can see that the magnetic field goes into the page at the location of proton 2. Additionally [math]\displaystyle{ {\vec{v}_{top}}{\times}{\hat{r}} }[/math] can be rewritten as sin(90), which equals +1.
Three: The magnetic field from the previous step can be used to determine the magnetic force on the bottom proton. [math]\displaystyle{ {\vec{F}_{M, bottom}} = q_{bottom}{\vec{v}_{bottom}}{\times}{\vec{B}_{top}} }[/math].
The magnetic force is found to be upward and can be found with the equation: [math]\displaystyle{ {\vec{F}_{M, bottom}} = {\frac{\mu_{0}}{4\pi}} }[/math] [math]\displaystyle{ {\frac{e^{2}v^{2}}{r^{2}}} }[/math].
When we take the ratio of the magnetic force to the electric force, we find that the forces have relations to the speed of light. When particles move at ordinary speed the magnetic interaction is insignificant when compared to the electric interaction. However, if the speed reaches the speed of light the magnetic force comes to par with the electric force.
A Computational Model
How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here Teach hands-on with GlowScript
Examples
Be sure to show all steps in your solution and include diagrams whenever possible
Simple
Middling
Difficult
Connectedness
- How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in?
This topic is interesting because it can be confusing exactly what causes a magnetic force when both the object in question and the reference frame is in motion. The changes in magnetic and electric field due to a change in the reference frame is interesting to note.
- How is it connected to your major?
As a BME it is important to be able to understand the consequences or benefits of looking at a phenomenon in a different angle. However, it is important to note that there is only one force resulting from the magnetic and electric fields. Additionally, magnetic forces would be beneficial when dealing with development of devices including current-carrying wires.
- Is there an interesting industrial application?
Magnetic forces on current-carrying wires are usually larger than the electric force on the same wire, because the net charge is zero. Moreover, when the speed of the particle is less than the speed of light there is less magnetic interaction between 2 charged particles. When the speed exceeds the speed of light, magnetic force between two charged particles can be compared to the electric force.
History
In 20th century, relativity and quantum mechanics were brought into light. In 1905, Albert Einstein published a paper which proved that electric and magnetic fields both take part in the same phenomenon when viewed from different referenced frames.[1] Einstein developed his theory of relativity through a simple experiment of a moving magnet and a conductor. In this experiment, the current in the conductor is calculated in the frame of reference of both the magnet and the conductor. [2] According to the basic principle of relativity the only known variable, current, is unchanging in both reference frames. However, when Maxwell's Equations are applied there is a magnetic force in the magnet frame and an electric force in the conductor frame. This thought experiment as well as Fizeau experiment, the aberration of light, and negative aether drift tests formed the foundation for the theory of relativity.[3] With a new found understanding of relativity, quantum mechanics combined with electrodynamics to create a new science called quantum electrodynamics (QED). Simply put, QED describes the interaction between light and matter. Additionally, it is the first theory where there is no discord between quantum mechanics and special relativity.[4]
See also
Further reading
American Physical Society [5]
External links
Michigan State University: Moving Reference Frames[6]
University of Melbourne: Why do Magnetic Forces Depend on Who Measures Them?[7]
References
http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.160404
https://www.pa.msu.edu/courses/2000fall/PHY232/lectures/magforces/frames.html
http://www.ph.unimelb.edu.au/~dnj/teaching/160mag/160mag.htm