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

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.

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