Prove Lorentz Transformations: |E|>|cB| & Angle b/t E & B

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between E and B vectors in different Lorentz frames. It is stated that if E is perpendicular to B in one Lorentz frame, it will also be perpendicular in all other frames. Additionally, if the magnitude of E is greater than the magnitude of cB in one frame, it will also be greater in all other frames. The angle between E and B is also found to be consistent in all frames. Lastly, it is noted that if E is perpendicular to B but their magnitudes are not equal, there exists a frame in which the field is either purely electric or purely magnetic.
  • #1
LocationX
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I need to show that:
1. if E is [itex]\perp[/itex] to B in one Lorentz frame, it is [itex]\perp[/itex] in all Lorentz frames
2. [itex]|E|>|cB|[/itex] in L. frame, [itex]|E|>|cB|[/itex] in all L. frame
3. Angle b/t E and B is acute/obtuse in L. frame, it is acute/obtuse in all L. frame
4. E is [itex]\perp[/itex] to B but [itex]|E|\neq|cB|[/itex], then there is a frame which the field is purely electric or magnetic

Attempt:
1. I believe I just show that [itex] \bar{E} \cdot \bar{B} =E \cdot B[/itex]
2. I believe I just show [itex]\bar{E}^2-c^2 \bar{B}^2 =E^2-B^2c^2[/itex] so that if [itex]|E|>|cB|[/itex], then [itex]\bar{E}^2-c^2 \bar{B}^2[/itex] is positive and thus [itex]E^2-B^2c^2[/itex] has to be positive, thus, [itex]|E|>|cB|[/itex] in all frames.

Not too sure where to start for 3 and 4. Open to suggestions, also it would be great if someone could check my approach for 1 and 2. thanks.
 
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  • #2
LocationX said:
3. Angle b/t E and B is acute/obtuse in L. frame, it is acute/obtuse in all L. frame
4. E is [itex]\perp[/itex] to B but [itex]|E|\neq|cB|[/itex], then there is a frame which the field is purely electric or magnetic

Hi LocationX! :smile:

Your answers to 1 and 2 seem fine. :smile:

3 should be similar to 1 … what is the sign of E.B if the angle between is acute?

4: I suggest you start with the simple case of |E| > c|B|, and B and E along the x-direction and y-direction respectively, and see what happens when you transform parallel to the x-direction. :smile:
 

FAQ: Prove Lorentz Transformations: |E|>|cB| & Angle b/t E & B

1.

What are Lorentz Transformations and why are they important?

Lorentz Transformations are a set of equations that describe how the measurements of space and time change when viewed from different inertial frames of reference. They are a fundamental concept in special relativity and are important for understanding how the laws of physics behave at high speeds.

2.

What does the inequality |E|>|cB| in Lorentz Transformations mean?

This inequality refers to the fact that the magnitude of the electric field (E) is greater than the magnitude of the magnetic field (B) in a given reference frame. This is a consequence of the fact that the speed of light (c) is constant and the electric and magnetic fields are related to one another in a specific way.

3.

How do Lorentz Transformations affect the angle between the electric and magnetic fields?

In Lorentz Transformations, the angle between the electric and magnetic fields remains the same in all inertial frames of reference. This means that the relative orientation of the electric and magnetic fields will not change when observed from different perspectives.

4.

Can Lorentz Transformations be proven experimentally?

Yes, Lorentz Transformations have been confirmed through numerous experiments and observations, such as the famous Michelson-Morley experiment and the measurements of particle accelerators. They have also been incorporated into the theoretical framework of special relativity, which has been extensively tested and verified.

5.

Are Lorentz Transformations applicable to all situations?

Lorentz Transformations are applicable to situations where the relative velocities between two inertial frames of reference are constant. They may not accurately describe phenomena involving accelerating frames or extreme gravitational fields, which require the more general theory of general relativity.

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