Bulletin of Pure & Applied Sciences- Physics
  • Year: 2020
  • Volume: 39d
  • Issue: 2

An ambiguity in the relativistic dynamics and electromagnetism regarding force transformation

1Tehran, Iran.

*Corresponding author: Mohammad Javanshiry Independent Researcher, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: m.javanshiry1986@gmail.com

Abstract

Einstein’s relativity has always been the subject of considerable controversy among physicists. So far, a few scientists have tried to demonstrate an inconsistency in the theory, whereas the majority of the academics believe that finding a real paradox via, e.g., designing a thought experiment is something absurd and impossible. Although many of the paradoxes introduced in the framework of relativity have truly been resolved using precise mathematical expressions, the paradox introduced in this article can be considered as an exception. A simple thought experiment is indeed carried out through which it is shown that the accepted transformation for the electromagnetic (EM) fields, as well as the same transformation for force, culminates in possible inconsistencies in the framework of the special theory of relativity. A tiny charge in a uniform electric field is set in motion over a charged lid located in a compartment shielded against electromagnetic fields within which there is a similar electric field. It is shown that the observer at rest with respect to the tiny charge claims that the lid is easily pushed downward as the charge passes over it, whereas the observer in the compartment’s rest frame claims otherwise.

Keywords

Special relativity, Reference frames, Charge, Force, Electric field, Magnetic field