Why must a charged particle be accelerated to produced photons?

In summary, when an electron moves at a constant velocity, it creates a changing electric flux in the area it is moving into, which in turn creates a magnetic flux. This process continues indefinitely. However, in order for a charge to produce photons, it must be accelerated. This is because in a frame where the electron is not moving, there is only a static electric field. When transformed back to the original frame, there is both an electric and magnetic field, but they do not propagate as a wave.
  • #1
deadscientist
29
0
Suppose you have an electron moving at constant velocity. This new area that it is moving into initially had 0 electric flux through it but now that the electron moves to that location the electric flux is changing which in turn cause a magnetic flux ad infinitum. So why must a charge be accelerated to produce photons if a constant velocity charge is constantly introducing a change in flux to an area? Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If the electron is moving at constant velocity, you can Lorentz transform to a frame where the electron is not moving. Then there's only a static electric field. You can Lorentz transform back to the original frame and find a moving electric and magnetic field, but it isn't propagating as a wave.
 

FAQ: Why must a charged particle be accelerated to produced photons?

Why does a charged particle need to be accelerated to produce photons?

A charged particle needs to be accelerated because it creates a change in its electric field, resulting in the emission of photons. The acceleration of the charged particle causes it to gain energy, which is then released in the form of photons.

Can photons be produced without the acceleration of a charged particle?

No, photons cannot be produced without the acceleration of a charged particle. Photons are created when charged particles accelerate, either by changing direction or speed. This acceleration causes a disturbance in the electromagnetic field, resulting in the emission of photons.

How does the acceleration of a charged particle affect the properties of the emitted photons?

The acceleration of a charged particle affects the properties of the emitted photons in several ways. The energy of the emitted photons is directly proportional to the acceleration of the charged particle, meaning that higher acceleration results in higher energy photons. Additionally, the direction and polarization of the emitted photons are also affected by the direction and magnitude of the charged particle's acceleration.

Can photons be produced through other means besides the acceleration of charged particles?

Yes, photons can also be produced through other means, such as spontaneous emission, where an atom or molecule in an excited state emits a photon without the need for external acceleration. Photons can also be produced through other processes, such as nuclear reactions and particle-antiparticle annihilation.

Why is the acceleration of charged particles important in various fields of science and technology?

The acceleration of charged particles is important in various fields of science and technology because it is the basis for many technologies, such as X-rays, lasers, and particle accelerators. Understanding the principles of photon production through charged particle acceleration also helps in the study of fundamental physics and the behavior of matter and energy at the subatomic level.

Similar threads

Are all EM waves produced by accelerating charges?
Replies
29
Views
9K
I The vector math of relative motion of wire-loop & bar magnet
Replies
1
Views
1K
Behavior of charged particles in a speed selector
Replies
3
Views
792
How come accelerating charges produce EMR, but others don't?
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Seeking the Equation of Motion for a charged mass attached to a spring
Replies
22
Views
2K
Magnetic Bottle and the Kinetic Energy of a Charged Particle
Replies
8
Views
1K
Forces acting on a magnet which is deflecting a charged particle
Replies
4
Views
1K
I Electric field of a moving charge that's abruptly stopped
Replies
2
Views
1K
Accelerating a charged particle generating an "electric field wave"
Replies
6
Views
2K
I Work done by electric field of an irregularly shaped conductor
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top