Do Moving Charges Generate Both Electric and Magnetic Fields?

In summary, the electric field and the magnetic field are not separate phenomena. They are connected and can be perceived differently depending on the observer's frame of reference. However, there is conservation between the two. We can easily calculate the electric field of a line of static charges and the magnetic field of a line of moving charges. It is not true that the electric field produced by a line of moving charges is always zero. Instead, it depends on factors such as the current and electron drift speed.
  • #1
Drpepperment
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Homework Statement



the electric field and the magnetic field are not disjoint. what may seem as an electric field to an observer stationary relative to a charge, is perceived as a magnetic field to another observer who is not stationary relative to said charge. however, there is conservation between the two because in reality, they are one and the same physical phenomenon.

* we can easily calculate the electric field due to a line of static charges, given the overall charge.

* we can also easily calculate the magnetic field due a line of moving charges given the current.

Q: Wouldn't a line of moving charges also produce 'some' non-zero electric field?

Homework Equations



Maxwell

The Attempt at a Solution


It seems awkward to me that as soon as the charges start to move, imagine the lowest possible electron drift speed, *all* of the electric field drops to 0 and is represented only as the magnetic field. My assumption would be, the greater the current, less 'electric field' produced, and the more 'magnetic field' it would produce.

I know that "the magnetic field produced by stationary charges" = 0, by definition of current. However, is the opposite also true? Namely, "the electric field produced by a line of moving charge" ? Is it always 0, or is it dependent on the current, electron drift speed, or other factor?
 
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  • #2
The electric field doesn't vanish just because the charges move. Why are you assuming it does?
 

Related to Do Moving Charges Generate Both Electric and Magnetic Fields?

What is the difference between an electric field and a magnetic field?

An electric field is a region in which electrically charged particles experience a force, while a magnetic field is a region in which magnetically charged particles experience a force. The main difference between the two is the type of charge that they interact with. Electric fields interact with electric charges, while magnetic fields interact with magnetic charges.

How are electric fields and magnetic fields related?

Electric and magnetic fields are closely related and can actually be thought of as two aspects of the same phenomenon: electromagnetic radiation. When an electric field changes, it creates a magnetic field, and vice versa. This interconnectedness is described by Maxwell's equations.

What are some real-world applications of electric and magnetic fields?

Electric and magnetic fields have numerous applications in our daily lives. They are used in electronics and technology, such as in electric motors, generators, and transformers. They are also used in medical imaging, such as in MRI machines, and in various industrial processes, such as in welding and metalworking.

Can electric and magnetic fields be harmful to humans?

Yes, exposure to high levels of electric and magnetic fields can be harmful to human health. These fields can cause changes in the body's cells and tissues, leading to potential health risks such as cancer and neurological disorders. However, the levels of electric and magnetic fields found in most everyday environments are considered safe for humans.

How are electric and magnetic fields measured?

Electric fields are measured in units of volts per meter (V/m), while magnetic fields are measured in units of tesla (T) or gauss (G). These measurements can be taken using specialized equipment, such as an electric field meter or a magnetometer. The strength of an electric or magnetic field is also affected by factors such as distance and the type of material it is passing through.

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