Abstract

In this author?s 1997 paper, a model capable of explaining the electromagnetic forces between electric currents in conductors, using only Coulomb?s law, was proposed, and the results applied to experiments upon Ampere?s bridge. The approach succeeded, due to a rigorous geometric analysis, thereby focusing upon the delay effects thanks to the velocity of light. Simultaneously, the Lorentz force failed completely to explain the behaviour of the force. The special relativity theory (SRT) was not being used and due to the very low velocities involved in the currents in conductors, the need was not felt.

However, since the SRT is widely recognized, a check to what extent that would change the results above seems very urgent to perform. That is also one of the main concerns of this paper. And the result is that the SRT does not affect the results, as far as low charge velocities are involved, as is the case with circuit currents. The effects of propagation delay are of higher order and supersede those of the SRT.

Since efforts have been made by other scientists to explain the results with Ampere?s bridge, thereby using Ampere?s law, this theory will be discussed further here. A model claiming that Ampere?s law is a direct consequence of applying the special relativity theory straightforwardly upon Coulomb?s law will also be analysed, but with negative result. What Ampere derived through deduction with respect to experimental results remains empirical. The Lorentz force is again unable to explain the measurement results, even though the invariance of Maxwell?s equations during Lorentz transformations according to the predominant school supports that claim that Maxwell?s equations also are consistent with reality.