Why Is the X-Component of the Electric Field Unchanged in a Moving Frame?

In summary, the key concept is that the electric field does not depend on the frame of reference, which means that the x-component of the electric field is the same in both the rest frame and the frame moving in the x direction, as shown by the equations $\vec{f}_{x}=\frac{dp_{x}}{dt}=qE_{x}$ and $\vec{f'}_{x}=\gamma'(qE_{x}-\frac{v}{c}\frac{dmc}{dt})$.
  • #1
sspitz
21
0
I'm trying to understand why the x-component of electric field is the same in the rest frame and the frame moving in the x direction. I thought I should just be able to write the force four vector in the rest frame and transform it. Symbols with arrows are four vectors.

[tex]
\vec{p}=\gamma(mv,mc)\\
\vec{f}=\frac{d\vec{p}}{d\tau}=\gamma(\frac{dp}{dt},\frac{dmc}{dt})
[/tex]
For the charge in its rest frame, just looking at the x-component
[tex]
\gamma=1\\
\vec{f}_{x}=\frac{dp_{x}}{dt}=qE_{x}
[/tex]
Now I transform to the frame moving with velocity v in the positive x direction
[tex]
\vec{f'}_{x}=\gamma'(qE_{x}-\frac{v}{c}\frac{dmc}{dt})
[/tex]
So, how does that prove that the x-component of x doesn't change? dmc/dt is not zero as far as I can tell.
 
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  • #2
The key here is that the electric field does not depend on the frame of reference. This means that in both frames, the x-component of the electric field is the same. In the rest frame, you have the equation $\vec{f}_{x}=\frac{dp_{x}}{dt}=qE_{x}$ which tells us that the x-component of the force due to the electric field is equal to the x-component of the electric field times the charge. In the frame moving with velocity v in the positive x direction, the equation is $\vec{f'}_{x}=\gamma'(qE_{x}-\frac{v}{c}\frac{dmc}{dt})$, which is still equal to the x-component of the electric field times the charge, since $\frac{v}{c}\frac{dmc}{dt}$ is zero. Therefore, the x-component of the electric field is the same in both frames.
 

FAQ: Why Is the X-Component of the Electric Field Unchanged in a Moving Frame?

What is an electric field in a moving frame?

An electric field in a moving frame is a measure of the force exerted on a charged particle due to the presence of other charged particles in motion.

How is the electric field in a moving frame different from a stationary frame?

The electric field in a moving frame is different because of the effects of relative motion and the Lorentz transformation. This can cause changes in the magnitude and direction of the electric field.

What is the relationship between the electric field and the magnetic field in a moving frame?

In a moving frame, the electric field and magnetic field are intertwined and cannot be considered separately. This is due to the effects of relative motion and the Lorentz transformation.

How do you calculate the electric field in a moving frame?

The electric field in a moving frame can be calculated using the equations of electromagnetism, taking into account the effects of relative motion and the Lorentz transformation. This involves considering the velocity of the moving frame and the charges present in the frame.

What are some real-world applications of understanding the electric field in a moving frame?

Understanding the electric field in a moving frame is crucial in many fields, including electrical engineering, particle physics, and astrophysics. It helps in the design and functioning of electronic devices, particle accelerators, and understanding the behavior of charged particles in space.

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