Relative Charge Density
From the perspective of the theory of relativity, the length of a segment of wire depends on velocity of observer, so charge density is a relative concept. Anthony French has described how the magnetic field force of a current-bearing wire arises from this relative charge density. He used (p 260) a Minkowski diagram to show "how a neutral current-bearing wire appears to carry a net charge density as observed in a moving frame." The approach to electromagnetism through spacetime symmetry is called relativistic electromagnetism.
Read more about this topic: Charge Density
Famous quotes containing the words relative and/or charge:
“Three elements go to make up an idea. The first is its intrinsic quality as a feeling. The second is the energy with which it affects other ideas, an energy which is infinite in the here-and-nowness of immediate sensation, finite and relative in the recency of the past. The third element is the tendency of an idea to bring along other ideas with it.”
—Charles Sanders Peirce (18391914)
“Today I love myself as I love my god: who could charge me with a sin today? I know only sins against my god; but who knows my god?”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (18441900)