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To first order in fluid velocity divided by the speed of light, the Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields gives ${\mathbf{E}}^{\prime }=\mathbf{E}+\mathbf{u}\times \mathbf{B}$. Applying Ohm's law in the local fluid frame gives $\mathbf{E}+\mathbf{u}\times \mathbf{B}=\eta \mathbf{J}$. Neglecting the displacement current in Ampère's law, $\mathbf{J}=\nabla \times \mathbf{B}/{\mu }_0$. Substitution in Faraday's law givesHere ${\eta }_m$ is the magnetic diffusivity; the paper's $\eta$ is electrical resistivity, rather than magnetic diffusivity. Expanding the curl with the solenoidal magnetic-field constraint gives the resistive induction equation in its compressible form:The left side is the material derivative of the magnetic field. The three right-hand terms respectively describe field-line stretching and reorientation, amplification or dilution by compression or expansion, and magnetic diffusion. In particular, compression has $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{u}<0$ and amplifies a field component perpendicular to the compression.

The assumptions are nonrelativistic bulk motion, the low-frequency approximation permitting omission of the displacement current, a conducting-fluid continuum, isotropic local Ohm's law with spatially constant scalar electrical resistivity, constant magnetic permeability ${\mu }_0$, and $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{B}=0$. Hall, electron-pressure and other non-Ohmic corrections to the generalized Ohm's law are excluded. Incompressible flow is not required: imposing it would remove the compression term.

The official notes state only ${\mathcal{F}}^{\prime }=\Lambda \mathcal{F}{\Lambda }^T$ (PDF p. 15, handwritten p. 10); they do not evaluate the requested coefficients. For a boost along positive $x$, use ${\Lambda }^0{}_0={\Lambda }^1{}_1=\gamma$, ${\Lambda }^0{}_1={\Lambda }^1{}_0=-\gamma v/c$, with the transverse diagonal entries equal to one. Multiplying the specified electromagnetic field tensor givesThe corresponding Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields isConsequentlyThese coefficients depend on the frame speed, but are constant for the fixed boost.

Assume an infinite, stationary, uniform thin wire, and no added external homogeneous fields. Its four-current is $j^{\mu }=(\sigma ,0,0,J)\delta (x)\delta (y)$. A boost along the wire leaves the transverse delta functions unchanged and transforms the time and longitudinal components, givingThe densities are measured per unit simultaneous length in their respective frames; treating charge alone as invariant per unchanged coordinate length would miss the current contribution.

For a coaxial cylinder, Gauss's law gives $E_r(2\pi rL)={\mu }_0\sigma L$ in the stated $c=1$ units. For a circular loop, Ampère's law gives $B_{\phi }2\pi r={\mu }_{0}J$. Thus $E_r={\mu }_0\sigma /(2\pi r)$ and $B_{\phi }={\mu }_{0}J/(2\pi r)$. The same reasoning in the primed frame gives the same expressions with primed densities.

Since $\hat{z}\times \hat{\phi }=-\hat{r}$ and $\hat{z}\times \hat{r}=\hat{\phi }$, the Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields gives $E_r^{\prime }=\gamma (E_r-v{B}_{\phi })$ and $B_{\phi }^{\prime }=\gamma (B_{\phi }-v{E}_r)$. Substituting the laboratory fields reproduces the primed-density formulas exactly; parallel components vanish in both frames.

Specify the Minkowski metric convention ${\eta }_{\mu \nu }={\eta }^{\mu \nu }=\mathrm{diag}(1,-1,-1,-1)$, with $x^0=ct$ and ${\partial }_0=c^{-1}{\partial }_t$. For the electromagnetic four-potential, $A_{\mu }={\eta }_{\mu \nu }{A}^{\nu }=(\varphi /c,-\mathbf{A})$. The electromagnetic field tensor isUsing $\mathbf{E}=-\nabla \varphi -{\partial }_t\mathbf{A}$ and $\mathbf{B}=\nabla \times \mathbf{A}$, its two component matrices areChanging metric/sign conventions changes the component convention, so stating it is necessary. Under a Lorentz transformation, the tensor law is $F^{\prime \mu \nu }(x^{\prime })={\Lambda }^{\mu }{}_{\rho }{\Lambda }^{\nu }{}_{\sigma }{F}^{\rho \sigma }(x)$. For the stated Lorentz boost, put $\beta =v/c$ and $\gamma =(1-{\beta }^2{)}^{-1/2}$:Multiplication $F^{\prime }=\Lambda F{\Lambda }^T$ gives, for example, $F^{\prime 02}=-\gamma E_y/c+\gamma \beta B_z$ and $F^{\prime 12}=-\gamma B_z+\gamma \beta E_y/c$. Reading off all entries proves Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields:For the wire, the lab line charge is zero and the current is $I=nqu+(-nq)(-u)=2nqu$. At points off the wire, write $s^2=y^2+z^2>0$. Gauss's law and Ampère's law giveThe boost leaves $y,z$ unchanged, so the field transformations giveIts physical source is the relativistic charge density of counterstreaming beams. Their boosted number densities are $n_{+}^{\prime }=\gamma n(1-vu/c^2)$ and $n_{-}^{\prime }=\gamma n(1+vu/c^2)$, by transforming each charge-current four-vector. Thus ${\lambda }^{\prime }=q(n_{+}^{\prime }-n_{-}^{\prime })=-2\gamma nquv/c^2=-\gamma vI/c^2$. A line charge has radial field ${\lambda }^{\prime }(0,y,z)/(2\pi {ϵ}_0{s}^2)$; using ${\mu }_0{ϵ}_0{c}^2=1$ reproduces the boxed field. Oppositely moving populations contract differently under the boost, so neutrality in one frame does not imply neutrality in the other. The ideal wire's fields are singular on its axis.

Write the jump from side $-$ to side $+$ as $[\mathbf{F}]={\mathbf{F}}_{+}-{\mathbf{F}}_{-}$. A thin rectangular loop in the static Faraday's law and a thin pillbox in Gauss's law for magnetism giveThus the tangential electric field and normal magnetic field are continuous in the plane's rest frame.

For the boost $\mathbf{v}=v\mathbf{n}$, the Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields givesThereforeMoreover $[\mathbf{E}]$ is purely normal, so $[{\mathbf{B}}_t^{\prime }]=\gamma [{\mathbf{B}}_t]$. Consequently the transformed tangential boundary condition isUsing the magnetic-field jump across a surface current, $\mathbf{n}\times [\mathbf{B}]={\mu }_0\mathbf{K}$, this can equivalently be writtenThe nonzero jump is consistent with Faraday's law because the magnetic-field discontinuity itself moves through Albert's frame.

For a boost of speed $v$ in the $x$ direction, withthe Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields isExpanding $E_y^{\prime }{B}_y^{\prime }+E_z^{\prime }{B}_z^{\prime }$, the mixed terms cancel and the remaining transverse terms acquire the factor ${\gamma }^2(1-v^2/c^2)=1$. Together with the unchanged longitudinal product, this proves the Lorentz invariantAn independent invariant isIf only $E_y=E$ and $B_y=B$ are nonzero, thenand direct subtraction gives

Now put $cB=\lambda E$ and $\beta =v/c$. Invariance of the dot product gives ${\mathbf{E}}^{\prime }\cdot {\mathbf{B}}^{\prime }=\lambda E^2/c$, while the displayed components giveHenceAt $\beta =0$ this equals $\mathrm{sgn}\lambda$, and as $|\beta |\uparrow 1$ it tends continuously to zero with the same sign. Thus boosts realize every $0\le \theta <\pi /2$ when $\lambda >0$, and every $\pi /2<\theta \le \pi$ when $\lambda <0$.

The inverse Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields, from the primed rest frame to the unprimed frame, givesandEquivalently, $\mathbf{B}=\gamma \mathbf{v}\times {\mathbf{E}}^{\prime }/c^2$ for $\mathbf{v}=v{\mathbf{e}}_x$.

Using $1/{\mu }_0={ϵ}_0{c}^2$ and ${\gamma }^2=(1-v^2/c^2{)}^{-1}$,

The primed field is static, so $w$ depends on $t,x$ throughand has no explicit $t^{\prime }$ dependence. The chain rule givesConsequentlyThus the field-energy profile is transported rigidly with velocity $v{\mathbf{e}}_x$.

Transforming the electromagnetic field tensor by $F^{\prime }=\Lambda F{\Lambda }^T$ and reading off its components givesThese are the parallel and transverse field transformation laws for a boost in the $x$ direction.

Fix coordinates $x^{\mu }=(ct,x,y,z)$ and use the following convention for the contravariant electromagnetic field tensor:For $O^{\prime }$ moving with velocity $+v\hat{\mathbf{x}}$ relative to $O$, the Lorentz transformation hasThe rank-two tensor transformation rule isFor example,Similarly, $F^{\prime 03}=-\gamma (E_z+v{B}_y)/c$ and $F^{\prime 13}=\gamma (B_y+v{E}_z/c^2)$. The $01$ component is unchanged because ${\gamma }^2(1-{\beta }^2)=1$, and the $23$ component is unchanged since neither index lies in the boost plane. Reading off the six field components givesAn alternative overall sign convention for $F^{\mu \nu }$ gives the same physical Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields when its identifications with $\mathbf{E}$ and $\mathbf{B}$ are used consistently.

For the electric-dominated crossed-field orbit, choose a boost $V=c^{2}B/E$ along $x$. Since $|E|>c|B|$, it is subluminal. The Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields gives $B_z^{\prime }=0$ and $E_y^{\prime }=E/\Gamma$, where $\Gamma =(1-V^2/c^2{)}^{-1/2}$. The initially stationary electron has $U^{\prime }(0)=(\Gamma c,-\Gamma V,0,0)$, not zero velocity in this frame.

Let $q=-e$, $a=q{E}_y^{\prime }/m_e$ and $s=a\tau /c$. Neglect radiation reaction, as in the prescribed external-field model. Integrating the relativistic Lorentz force in this purely electric frame gives the exact trajectoryIndeed $U^{\prime 0}=\Gamma c\cosh s$, $U^{\prime x}=-\Gamma V$, and $U^{\prime y}=\Gamma c\sinh s$ satisfy both the force equation and $U^{\prime 2}=c^2$. The constant transverse momentum must be retained.

The inverse boost gives a useful exact laboratory parametrization as well:For $E,B>0$, the lab electron starts accelerating toward negative $y$ and bends toward positive $x$, the direction of $\mathbf{E}\times \mathbf{B}$. It never acquires a cyclotron orbit in this electric-dominated case. At late times, $v_x\to V$ and $v_y\to \mathrm{sgn}(q{E}^{\prime })c/\Gamma$, so its speed approaches $c$ along an oblique asymptote. Reversing field signs reverses the appropriate directions. The zero-$B$ limit is the ordinary electric-field hyperbolic motion.

Take the stated static vector potential with zero scalar potential. In the laboratory,Let $S^{\prime }$ move along $z$ at the electron's reference velocity $v$. The inverse transformation is $z=\gamma (z^{\prime }+v{t}^{\prime })$. The Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields giveswith all other components zero. The sign follows from $\mathbf{v}\times \mathbf{B}=v{B}_x{\mathbf{e}}_y$.

Although an observer fixed in $S^{\prime }$ sees an oscillating field, this is not an exact source-free propagating electromagnetic wave. The phase covector has ${\omega }^{\prime }=-\gamma v{k}_u$, $k_z^{\prime }=\gamma k_u$, so its squared norm isIt is the boost of a static spatial grating, not a null vacuum wave. Equivalently, $E^{\prime }/B^{\prime }=v<c$ and $B^{\prime 2}-E^{\prime 2}/c^2=B^2$ is nonzero away from nodes; a vacuum plane wave would have vanishing electromagnetic field invariants. In the ultrarelativistic limit it can be a useful nearly wave-like approximation along the electron's path, but the exact distinction remains.

A charged electron cannot actually maintain the given constant velocity through this nonzero transverse field without an external constraint: the Lorentz force deflects it. The calculation therefore uses the prescribed straight reference trajectory, a weak-deflection approximation, or an instantaneously comoving inertial frame. A globally fixed electron rest frame is not available for its exact deflected motion.

For a boost along positive $x$, let $\gamma =(1-v_x^2/c^2{)}^{-1/2}$. Parallel field components are unchanged, while transverse components mix. The Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields givesThese signs correspond to $S^{\prime }$ moving with $+v_x$ relative to $S$, not the inverse boost. They can be obtained from $F^{\prime }=\Lambda F{\Lambda }^{\mathsf{T}}$ for the electromagnetic field tensor.

Use a neutral, infinitely long wire on the $x$ axis. Denote the total current by $I=\int j_{x}d{A}_{\perp }$, and write $r^2=y^2+z^2$. Outside the wire the magnetic field and electric field areThese follow from cylindrical symmetry and Ampère's law. The zero temporal component of the given total four-current specifies lab neutrality; the $\rho$ in $j_x=\rho v_0$ must refer to a carrier density, not that zero net charge density.

TODO: normalization from a literal volume current density requires the unspecified wire cross-section. The source does not supply its area or profile. The exterior field family below is fully determined in terms of $I$; it cannot be reduced to $j_x$ alone without that missing datum. If $j_x$ was intended as a cross-section-integrated line current instead, set $I=j_x$ and interpret its accompanying charge density as charge per length. No inside-wire profile is invented.

For a boost $u=v_0$ along positive $y$, let $\Gamma =(1-u^2/c^2{)}^{-1/2}$. Apply the Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields at corresponding events:Here the subscript labels the perpendicular-to-wire boost, not the direction of the transformed vector. In these formulas evaluate the original field at $y=\Gamma (y^{\prime }+u{t}^{\prime })$, $z=z^{\prime }$ and $x=x^{\prime }$. The wire moves in this frame, so the fields are time-dependent. The local current transforms to $J^{\prime 0}=0$, $J^{\prime x}=j_x$, $J^{\prime y}=J^{\prime z}=0$. A nonzero transformed electric field is possible even with zero net charge density: it is not a purely electrostatic field.

For a boost $u=v_0$ along positive $x$, the transverse coordinates are unchanged. The transformed fields areThe transformed line charge and current are ${\lambda }^{\prime }=-\Gamma uI/c^2$ and $I^{\prime }=\Gamma I$. These reproduce the radial electric field through Gauss's law. A boost comoving with the electrons removes their individual current contribution, but the positive background then moves and the total current is not zero.

For two identical wires, their lab interaction is attractive, with magnitude ${\mu }_0{I}^2/(2\pi d)$ per length. The total four-current is spacelike, $J^2=-j_x^2<0$, so no inertial frame makes it a pure charge density. Also $B^2-E^2/c^2=B^2>0$ forbids a frame in which the exterior field is purely electric. For an arbitrary boost along the wires, the electrical part is repulsive and the magnetic part attractive:The latter always dominates, and their sum remains $-{\mu }_0{I}^2/(2\pi d)$.

Even a more general boost cannot make the entire-wire force electrical alone. At the second wire choose $y=d,z=0$, so $\mathbf{B}=B{\mathbf{e}}_z$ and $\mathbf{j}=j{\mathbf{e}}_x$ with $jB>0$. The physical Lorentz force density is $f=(0,0,-jB,0)$. If the boosted magnetic force vanished, ${\mathbf{j}}^{\prime }\times {\mathbf{B}}^{\prime }=0$, then ${\mathbf{E}}^{\prime }\cdot {\mathbf{B}}^{\prime }=0$ would also give ${\mathbf{j}}^{\prime }\cdot {\mathbf{E}}^{\prime }=0$. Thus $f^{\prime 0}=0$, which from the boost of $f$ requires $V_y=0$. But for such a boost $f^{\prime y}=-jB<0$, whereas ${\rho }^{\prime }{E}_y^{\prime }={\Gamma }_V^2{V}_x^{2}jB/c^2\ge 0$. The electrical term alone cannot equal the actual force. Therefore there is no such frame for both complete wires, although the force on electrons considered separately can be electrical in their rest frame.

Use $c=1$ and the mostly-plus Minkowski metric fixed in part a. The electromagnetic four-potential and its covariant form areDefine the electromagnetic field tensor by $F_{\mu \nu }={\partial }_{\mu }{A}_{\nu }-{\partial }_{\nu }{A}_{\mu }$. Since $\mathbf{E}=-\nabla \varphi -{\partial }_t\mathbf{A}$ and $\mathbf{B}=\nabla \times \mathbf{A}$,Raising both indices changes the signs of its time-space entries. The lower-index signs agree with ^[ref]; the signature and index placement must be kept consistent.

For a passive boost to a frame moving with $v\hat{\mathbf{x}}$, transform the tensor asFor example, $F^{\prime 02}=\gamma F^{02}-\gamma v{F}^{12}=\gamma (E_y-v{B}_z)$ and $F^{\prime 12}=\gamma (B_z-v{E}_y)$. Reading off all entries givesFor an arbitrary boost velocity $\mathbf{v}$, rotational covariance gives the Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fieldsHere all velocities are in $c=1$ units. Equivalently the parallel components are unchanged and the perpendicular components have the cross-product expressions multiplied by $\gamma$.

Two equal opposite line charge densities moving in opposite directions have zero net line charge but a nonzero total current $I$. Under a longitudinal Lorentz boost, the charge-current four-vector gives ${\lambda }^{\prime }=\gamma (\lambda -vI/c^2)=-\gamma vI/c^2$. Equivalently, for lab densities $n$ and speeds $\pm u$, their separate boosted number densities are $\gamma n(1\mp vu/c^2)$. Their imbalance creates the boosted radial electric field, consistently with Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic fields and Gauss's law.