- #1
ConradDJ
Gold Member
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A simple question: if we have two particles with opposite charge, and nothing else going on to affect the field, then how do they move?
If they start out stationary with respect to each other, then they accelerate toward each other, and this current creates a magnetic field. That would slow the acceleration, but not change the direction of the particles' motion.
What about the general case in which they start off with some relative angular velocity?... so there are two currents, and I suppose the magnetic fields must deflect the particles in a direction perpendicular to their relative motion... but my intuition seems to break down here.
Does anyone know where I can look for a diagram of this situation?
Many thanks -- Conrad
If they start out stationary with respect to each other, then they accelerate toward each other, and this current creates a magnetic field. That would slow the acceleration, but not change the direction of the particles' motion.
What about the general case in which they start off with some relative angular velocity?... so there are two currents, and I suppose the magnetic fields must deflect the particles in a direction perpendicular to their relative motion... but my intuition seems to break down here.
Does anyone know where I can look for a diagram of this situation?
Many thanks -- Conrad