Radiation from an ideal LC tank circuit

In summary, the conversation discusses an ideal LC tank circuit and the amount of power radiated per cycle due to accelerating charges. The relevant differential equations are solved and the instantaneous current and acceleration are calculated. The Larmor radiation formula and the power dissipated in a resistor are also discussed. However, there seems to be a discrepancy with Feynman's formula for charge oscillating under SHO. The conversation ends with a request for further insight on the topic.
  • #1
confuted
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Consider an ideal LC tank circuit with some initial conditions such that oscillations take place. I am trying to find the amount of power radiated per cycle due to the accelerating charges (I realize that this should come out to be a very small value).

Setup and solve the relevant differential equations, and you'll get
[tex]i(t)=Ae^{j\omega t}+Be^{-j\omega t}[/tex]
with [tex]\omega=\frac{1}{\sqrt{LC}}[/tex]. Here I am using i(t) as current, and [tex]j=\sqrt{-1}[/tex]. For appropriate initial conditions, we can take
[tex]i(t)=A\sin{\omega t}[/tex].

Now the instantaneous current is equal to some charge density multiplied by the instantaneous velocity of the charge carriers:
[tex]i(t)=\rho v[/tex]. (Is this a valid assumption?)

So the instantaneous acceleration of the charge carriers is
[tex]a(t)=\frac{dv}{dt}=\frac{d}{dt}\frac{i(t)}{\rho}=A\omega\cos{\omega t}[/tex]
The time average of the square of this acceleration is
[tex]a^2=<a^2(t)>=\frac{A^2\omega^2}{2}[/tex]

Now (in Gaussian units), the Larmor radiation formula is
[tex]P=\left(\frac{2}{3}\right)\frac{e^2<a>^2}{c^3}=\left(\frac{1}{3}\right)\frac{e^2A^2\omega^2}{c^3}[/tex] (*)

We could model this (as far as the circuit is concerned) as an effective resistance. The power dissipated in a resistor is
[tex]P=i^2*R[/tex]
Taking time averages and substituting in (*),
[tex]R=<P>/<i^2>=\left(\frac{2}{3}\right)\frac{e^2\omega^2}{c^3}[/tex]

All seems well and good, except that Feynman (Feynman Lectures, Volume 1, Section 32.2) derives a similar formula for charge oscillating under SHO. His result seems to be
[tex]P=\frac{1}{3}\frac{e^2\omega^4}{c^3}[/tex] (I've dropped his x02 factor.)

Where's the discrepancy?
 
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  • #2
Sorry to bump my thread, but I feel like it didn't get much attention because of LaTeX being down after the move. Does anybody have some insight here?
 
  • #3
I can imagine a fudge. :rolleyes: Take Q(t)=Acos(wt). Then you can differentiate twice to get another power of w.
 

FAQ: Radiation from an ideal LC tank circuit

What is an ideal LC tank circuit?

An ideal LC tank circuit is a circuit that consists of a capacitor (C) and an inductor (L) connected in parallel. It is called "ideal" because it has no resistance and therefore no energy losses. This allows the circuit to oscillate at its resonant frequency for an indefinite amount of time.

How does radiation occur in an ideal LC tank circuit?

Radiation occurs in an ideal LC tank circuit when the oscillating electric and magnetic fields created by the capacitor and inductor interact with each other and generate electromagnetic waves. These waves carry energy away from the circuit in the form of radiation.

What factors affect the amount of radiation from an ideal LC tank circuit?

The amount of radiation from an ideal LC tank circuit is affected by the resonant frequency of the circuit, the size of the capacitor and inductor, and the distance between the two components. A higher resonant frequency, larger components, and shorter distance between them will result in higher radiation levels.

How can the amount of radiation from an ideal LC tank circuit be reduced?

The amount of radiation from an ideal LC tank circuit can be reduced by increasing the resistance in the circuit, which will dissipate some of the energy and reduce the strength of the oscillations. Another option is to add a load to the circuit, which will absorb some of the energy and decrease the radiation.

Is radiation from an ideal LC tank circuit dangerous?

In most cases, radiation from an ideal LC tank circuit is not dangerous. The amount of radiation produced by these circuits is typically very low and does not pose a health risk. However, if the circuit is operating at very high frequencies or power levels, it is important to take proper precautions and follow safety guidelines to prevent potential hazards.

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