“Derive” the Lorentz force law, as follows: Let chargeqbe at rest inS, so F=qE, and let Smove with velocityv=vxwith respect to S. Use the transformation rules (Eqs. 12.67 and 12.109) to rewrite Fin terms of F, and Ein terms of E and B. From these, deduce the formula for F in terms of E and B.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The Lorentz force is deduced asF=qE+q(v×B)

Step by step solution

01

Expression for Maxwell’s equation:

Using equation 12.67, write the equation for the transformation of forces from one frame to another frame.

F1=1yFF1=F1

Here, y is the constant pertains to the relative motion between the two frames.

02

Deduce the Lorentz force law:

Write the expression for the force acting on the charge in the frame S.

F=qE

Here, q is the charge and Eis the electric field.

Write the above expression in a vector form.

F=qExx^+qEyy^+qEzz^

Here, Ex,Eyand Ezare the components of an electric field in the frame .

Write the expression for the force acting on the charge in frame S.

F=Fxx^+Fyy^+Fzz^ …… (1)

Here, Fx,Fyand Fzare the components of the forces in frame S.

Write the equations for the component of the forces of frame S in terms of the component of the forces of the frame .

Fx=qExFy=1γqE¯yFz=1γqE¯z

Using equation 12.109, the above component of the forces becomes,

Fx=qExFy=1γq(γ(Ey-vBz))=q(Ey-vBz)Fz=1γq(γ(Ez+vBz))=q(Ez-vBy)

Substitute qExfor Fx,q(Ey-vBz)for Fyand q(Ez+vBy)Fzfor Fzin equation (1).

F=qExx^+q(Ey-vBz)y^+q(Ez+vBy)z^F=q(Exx^+Eyy^+Ezz^)-q(vBz)y^+(vBy)z^.......(2)

Here, q(vBz)y^+(vBy)z^and q(Exx^+Eyy^+Ezz^)=qE.

Hence, the equation (2) becomes,

F=qE+q(v×B)

Therefore, the Lorentz force law is deduced.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Obtain the continuity equation (Eq. 12.126) directly from Maxwell’s equations (Eq. 12.127).

A Lincoln Continental is twice as long as a VW Beetle, when they are at rest. As the Continental overtakes the VW, going through a speed trap, a (stationary) policeman observes that they both have the same length. The VW is going at half the speed of light. How fast is the Lincoln going? (Leave your answer as a multiple of c.)

Check Eq. 12.29, using Eq. 12.27. [This only proves the invariance of the scalar product for transformations along the x direction. But the scalar product is also invariant under rotations, since the first term is not affected at all, and the last three constitute the three-dimensional dot product a-b . By a suitable rotation, the x direction can be aimed any way you please, so the four-dimensional scalar product is actually invariant under arbitrary Lorentz transformations.]

A chargeq is released from rest at the origin, in the presence of a uniform electric fieldE=E0z^ and a uniform magnetic fieldB=B0x^ . Determine the trajectory of the particle by transforming to a system in Which,E=0 , finding the path in that system and then transforming back to the original system. AssumeE0<cB0 .Compare your result with Ex. 5.2.

(a) Show that (EB)is relativistically invariant.

(b) Show that (E2-c2B2)is relativistically invariant.

(c) Suppose that in one inertial systemB=0but E0(at some point P). Is it possible to find another system in which the electric field is zero atP?

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