For the interpretation of these equations, we make the following
remarks. Let us have a point-mass of electricity which is of magnitude
unity in the stationary system K, _i.e._, it exerts a unit force upon a
similar quantity placed at a distance of 1 cm. If this quantity of
electricity be at rest in the stationary system, then the force acting
upon it is equivalent to the vector (X, Y, Z) of electric force. But if
the quantity of electricity be at rest relative to the moving system (at
least for the moment considered), then the force acting upon it, and
measured in the moving system is equivalent to the vector (X′, Y′, Z′).
The first three of equations (1), (2), (3), can be expressed in the
following way:—
1. If a point-mass of electric unit pole moves in an electro-magnetic
field, then besides the electric force, an electromotive force acts upon
it, which, neglecting the numbers involving the second and higher powers
of _v_/_c_, is equivalent to the vector-product of the velocity vector,
and the magnetic force divided by the velocity of light (Old mode of
expression).
2. If a point-mass of electric unit pole moves in an electro-magnetic
field, then the force acting upon it is equivalent to the electric force
existing at the position of the unit pole, which we obtain by the
transformation of the field to a co-ordinate system which is at rest
relative to the electric unit pole [New mode of expression].
Similar theorems hold with reference to the magnetic force. We see that
in the theory developed the electro-magnetic force plays the part of an
auxiliary concept, which owes its introduction in theory to the
circumstance that the electric and magnetic forces possess no existence
independent of the nature of motion of the co-ordinate system.
It is further clear that the asymmetry mentioned in the introduction
which occurs when we treat of the current excited by the relative motion
of a magnet and a conductor disappears. Also the question about the seat
of electromagnetic energy is seen to be without any meaning.
§ 7. Theory of Döppler’s Principle and Aberration.
In the system K, at a great distance from the origin of co-ordinates,
let there be a source of electrodynamic waves, which is represented with
sufficient approximation in a part of space not containing the origin,
by the equations:—
X = X₀ sin Φ
Y = Y₀ sin Φ
Z = Z₀ sin Φ
L = L₀ sin Φ
M = M₀ sin Φ
N = N₀ sin Φ
lx + my + nz
Φ = ω(t - ------------ )
c
Here (X₀, Y₀, Z₀) and (L₀, M₀, N₀) are the vectors which determine the
amplitudes of the train of waves, (_l_, _m_, _n_) are the
direction-cosines of the wave-normal.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account