Can a moving observer detect a magnetic field from a stationary electric charge?

  • Thread starter crx
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Observer
In summary, the discussion revolved around the possibility of observing a magnetic field from a moving observer point of view, specifically when the observer is moving around a stationary electrically charged body. The question was posed whether there are any credible experiments that have been conducted in this matter. It was suggested that if one agrees that electric current is due to charges in motion, then a simple experiment with wire, battery, and compass can demonstrate that moving charges produce magnetic fields. The conversation also touched on the potential for different results if the charge is considered stationary in the local frame.
  • #1
crx
81
0
Can anybody provide me with a link to a REAL life experiment (a credible source, and not a thought experiment. ) when a moving observer relative to an electric charge can see a magnetic field? I'm thinking to a sensor that is spinning around an electrically charged sphere or disc...if in REAL life will see or not an magnetic field?
I'm asking because i learned of an similar experiment where the Hall effect sensor did not measured any magnetic field while spinning around a stationary charged disc, but the website wasn't too convincing... Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Do you mean measure a magnetic field? Or literally see a magnetic field?
 
  • #3
If you agree that electric current is due to charges in motion, then all you need is some wire, a battery, and a compass and you can see for yourself that moving charges produce magnetic fields.
 
  • #4
DaveC426913 said:
Do you mean measure a magnetic field? Or literally see a magnetic field?

Sense the presence of a magnetic field, ("see" and measure the Lorentz force upon a test charge). So, is there a magnetic field "observed" from a moving observer point of view that is moving around an electrically charged body that is considered stationary to the, let's say, laboratory (where the experiment its made...) reference frame, or what, you know what i mean...? Is there any credible experience done in this matter?
 
  • #5
MaxwellsDemon said:
If you agree that electric current is due to charges in motion, then all you need is some wire, a battery, and a compass and you can see for yourself that moving charges produce magnetic fields.
...but what if we have different results if the charge is considered stationary (in the local frame)?
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Can a moving observer detect a magnetic field from a stationary electric charge?

What is the Doppler effect and how does it affect a moving observer's ability to see objects?

The Doppler effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave as an observer moves relative to the source of the wave. This effect can cause shifts in the perceived color or pitch of the wave. For a moving observer, the Doppler effect can cause objects to appear either more red or blue shifted depending on whether the observer is moving towards or away from the object.

Can a moving observer see objects that are invisible to a stationary observer?

Yes, a moving observer may be able to see objects that are invisible to a stationary observer due to the Doppler effect. If the object is emitting waves in a specific frequency, a moving observer may be able to detect those waves in a different part of the spectrum, making the object visible to them.

How does the speed of the moving observer affect their ability to see objects?

The speed of the moving observer can affect their ability to see objects in two ways. First, the faster the observer is moving, the greater the Doppler effect will be, causing more significant shifts in the perceived color or pitch of the waves. Second, if the observer is moving at speeds close to the speed of light, relativistic effects may come into play, altering their perception of time and space.

Can a moving observer see objects that are behind them?

No, a moving observer cannot see objects that are directly behind them. This is because the observer is moving away from the waves emitted by the object, causing the waves to be stretched out and become undetectable. However, if the observer is moving at an angle, they may be able to see objects that are slightly behind them.

How does the direction of motion of a moving observer affect their ability to see objects?

The direction of motion of a moving observer can affect their ability to see objects in two ways. First, if the observer is moving towards an object, they may experience a blueshift in the perceived color or pitch of the waves emitted by the object, making it appear brighter or higher pitched. Second, the angle of motion can also affect the observer's ability to see objects, as mentioned in the previous question.

Similar threads

I How relative is the magnetic field of a current carrying conductor?
Replies
4
Views
713
I Magnetic Field vs Spacetime: Effects on Inertia Disk
Replies
6
Views
1K
A Relativity: Test charge moving perpendicular to a current carrying wire exhibits a force
Replies
7
Views
792
I What causes the magnetic force in a uniform magnetic field?
Replies
20
Views
2K
I Magnetic Field Generated By Moving Charged Objects - Confusion Explained
Replies
2
Views
1K
I The Electric field of a moving charge according to Purcell
2
Replies
45
Views
7K
B Magnetic field and moving charge special relativity
Replies
7
Views
2K
B Do single moving charges create magnetic fields, why?
Replies
6
Views
3K
I Electric Field seen by an observer in motion
2
Replies
59
Views
5K
Relative Magnetic Fields: What is Reality?
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top