Re: Apparent weight

[Leigh Palmer <palmer@sfu.ca>]

> Is the principle force that binds the atoms and molecules together the
> magnetic force in these magnets?  I still wonder why it takes the Central
> Force  assumption to derive the macroscopic rotational motion relation.
> Can someone derive it from the particle equations without that assumption?

The force that binds the magnets *to each other* is magnetic. You
asked if it was even possible to bind things magnetically. It is.

Ultimately the electric force is magnetic (or vice-versa). There
is no deciding that either is pure, since their magnetic and
electric natures depend upon frame of reference; it depends upon
how you look at the problem, not unlike weight!

Consider the problem of two identical bodies with equal charges
initially travelling parallel paths at equal velocities. Their
magnetic forces attract one another, yet their electric forces
repel. Which wins out in the end? Does the winner depend upon
just how fast the charges move? Finally, how long does it take
the charges to separate from one another, say, to twice their
initial separation?

Leigh