Does electron beams act like current carrying wires to themselves?

In summary, The conversation is about the potential magnetic interaction between two electron beams passing by each other, similar to electrons in current carrying wires. The question also considers how this relates to the relativistic effects of magnetic force and whether it can be considered a purely electric force or a mix of electric and magnetic forces depending on the frame of reference.
  • #1
universal_101
325
3
I was just wondering, that if we have two electron beams passing by each other, would there be any magnetic interaction between them ? Just like, electrons in current carrying wires.

I asked the similar question earlier but with the change that one of them was a current carrying wire, whereas here both of them are electron beams.

Since, magnetic force is considered as a relativistic effect, I'm curious how it comes to play when we have only electron beams.
 
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  • #2
hi universal_101! :smile:
universal_101 said:
… Just like, electrons in current carrying wires.

yes, same thing

(and whether you call it a purely electric force, or a mix of electric and magnetic, depends on which frame you're using)
 

Related to Does electron beams act like current carrying wires to themselves?

1. What is an electron beam?

An electron beam is a stream of electrons that travel through a vacuum or a low-pressure gas environment. It is typically created by accelerating electrons with high voltage and focusing them with electromagnetic fields.

2. How do electron beams behave in a vacuum?

In a vacuum, electron beams behave similarly to beams of light. They can be focused, deflected, and manipulated with electromagnetic fields. However, unlike light beams, electron beams can also be used to deposit energy and create physical changes in materials they come in contact with.

3. Do electron beams act like current carrying wires to themselves?

Yes, electron beams can act like current carrying wires to themselves. This is because they are composed of charged particles (electrons) that can generate an electric current as they move. This current can interact with the electromagnetic fields created by the beam, resulting in self-interactions and complex behavior.

4. How do electron beams compare to traditional wires for conducting electricity?

Electron beams are not typically used for conducting electricity in the same way as traditional wires. While they can carry a current, they are more often used for applications such as welding, cutting, and material modification. Traditional wires are generally more efficient for conducting electricity over long distances and for powering electronic devices.

5. What are some potential applications of electron beams?

Electron beams have a wide range of potential applications in various industries, including materials science, medicine, and electronics. They can be used for welding, cutting, and drilling in manufacturing processes, as well as for sterilization and cancer treatment in the medical field. In electronics, they can be used for lithography in semiconductor manufacturing and for electron microscopy to study materials at the atomic level.

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