Can an electron at rest in a magnetic field be set into motion by the magnetic field? What if it were at rest in an electric field?
No to the first question. The electron has to be moving to experience a force.
Yes to the second question.
There is a paradox here that led to the discovery of the Theory of Relativity. If the observer's frame of reference is moving, a formerly stationary electron will be appear to be moving.
This dilemma was resolved by Lorentz before Einstein came along. When the electron appears to move due to the motion of the observer, some of the electric field changes to magnetic field
with the end result that there is still no net force in either coordinate system.
Yes, an electron at rest in a magnetic field can be set into motion by the magnetic field. This phenomenon is known as the magnetic force acting on a charged particle. According to the right-hand rule, if the magnetic field and the velocity of the electron are not parallel to each other, the resulting force will exert a sideways motion on the electron, causing it to move in a circular or helical path.
On the other hand, if the electron is at rest in an electric field, it would not be directly set into motion by the electric field itself. Electric fields exert a force on charged particles, but the force depends on the motion of the particle and the charge it carries. Therefore, in order for the electric field to set the electron into motion, there must be an initial velocity or a force acting on the electron to initiate its movement. Once the electron is set into motion, the electric field can then exert a force on it to influence its further motion.
Yes, an electron at rest in a magnetic field can be set into motion by the magnetic field. This is because a magnetic field exerts a force on a charged particle like an electron. However, for the electron to be set into motion, the magnetic field needs to be changing with time. This is based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, which states that a changing magnetic field induces an electric field, which in turn can apply a force on a charged particle. Thus, if the magnetic field is changing, it can cause the electron to move.
On the other hand, if the electron is at rest in an electric field, it will not be set into motion. This is because an electric field exerts a force on a charged particle, but only when the particle itself is charged and experiencing a potential difference. Since the electron is at rest, it doesn't experience any force from the electric field.
To summarize:
- An electron at rest in a changing magnetic field can be set into motion by the magnetic field.
- An electron at rest in an electric field will not be set into motion by the electric field.