Statement
14.3.23∗.
Solve problem 14.3.22 in the case of a capacitor moving at a velocity βc
pendicular to the plates
Solution
We start analysing Rest frame S'
In the system S' the solenoid is at rest:
The solenoid is "long and flat": its turns define a plane; the magnetic moment
is perpendicular to that plane (normal direction). Let us take
take
There is no electric moment
In the laboratory system S, the solenoid moves with velocity
parallel to the flat surfaces (hence, perpendicular to
Under a boost with velocity
the electric dipole moment
In our case:
Therefore:
The magnetic moment in S increases by a factor of
and an electric moment appears perpendicular to
For
In CGS:
In SI: the factor is
(with
Magnitude (if
or
Direction:
perpendicular to
that is, parallel to the flat surfaces but perpendicular to the motion.
Answer
In the low-velocity limit
The electric moment appears because, when in motion, the currents that produce the magnetic moment are no longer simultaneous in the new system, generating an effective dipolar charge distribution.