Published March 2009 | Version Published
Journal Article Open

Simulating a toy model of electrodynamics in (1 + 1) dimensions

Creators

  • 1. ROR icon California Institute of Technology

Abstract

We show how to simulate a toy model of electrodynamics in (1+1) dimensions and describe several numerical experiments. The toy model is much simpler than ordinary electrodynamics, but shares many of the same physical features. For example, there are analogs to the electric and magnetic fields, and these fields generate forces between charged particles and support freely propagating radiation. Unlike electrodynamics, however, the toy model is not Lorentz invariant, gives an attractive force between charges of the same sign, and yields a radiation reaction force that depends on the particle velocity.

Additional Information

© 2009 American Association of Physics Teachers. Received 4 August 2008; accepted 10 November 2008. The author would like to thank Andreea Boca for preparing the figures.

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Identifiers

Eprint ID
14151
Resolver ID
CaltechAUTHORS:20090504-135010173

Dates

Created
2009-08-08
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Updated
2021-11-08
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