Point charge moving in an electric field

In summary, when a point charge is moving through space, it generates an electric field and radiates energy. When the charge is moving along the field lines of an external electric field, the calculation of radiated energy is not affected. The external field can be added to the radiative component of the electric field when calculating the Poynting vector, but only if the applied electric field is constant. If the external field is dependent on position, it has no additional effect on the radiated energy as long as the charged particle is moving along a fixed axis.
  • #1
em12
3
0
A point charge accelerating through space generates an electric field and radiates energy. But how is this influenced if the point charge is moving along the field lines of an external electric field? Specifically how is calculation of radiated energy effected? Would you add the external field to the radiative component of the electric field (the 1/r dependent part) when calculating the Poynting vector, or is wrong?
Thanks.
 
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  • #2
As long as the externally applied electric field is constant, it has no additional effect on the radiated energy.
 
  • #3
zhermes said:
As long as the externally applied electric field is constant, it has no additional effect on the radiated energy.

What if, say the charged particle was moving along a fixed axis, and the applied electric field, was also on that axis, BUT dependent upon position.
 

FAQ: Point charge moving in an electric field

1. What is a point charge?

A point charge is a theoretical concept in physics that represents a charged particle with a negligible size and mass. It is used to simplify calculations in electrostatics and other areas of physics.

2. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a region in space where an electric force can act on a charged particle. It is created by a charged object and can be either positive or negative.

3. How does a point charge move in an electric field?

A point charge will experience a force when placed in an electric field. The direction of the force depends on the charge of the particle and the direction of the electric field. The charge will move in the direction of the force.

4. What is the equation for calculating the force on a point charge in an electric field?

The force on a point charge (F) in an electric field (E) can be calculated using the equation F = qE, where q is the charge of the particle. This equation is known as Coulomb's law.

5. How does the motion of a point charge change when the electric field is varied?

The motion of a point charge will change depending on the strength and direction of the electric field. If the electric field is increased, the force on the charge will also increase, resulting in a faster motion. If the electric field is changed from positive to negative or vice versa, the direction of the force and thus the motion of the charge will also change.

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