Why electron circulating in an orbit must spiral inwards?

Thread starter pivoxa15
Start date Oct 27, 2005
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Electron Orbit Spiral

In summary, the inward spiral of an electron while orbiting is caused by the emission of electromagnetic radiation, and it does not violate the law of conservation of energy. An electron's orbit can also spiral outwards if it gains energy from an external source, and its spin does not directly affect the spiral. However, the spiral will eventually stop when the electron reaches its lowest energy level.

Oct 27, 2005

pivoxa15

Orbiting electrons have a constant acceleration towards the centre but why must it radiate photons as it accelerate?

Thanks

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Oct 27, 2005

masudr

Due to Maxwell's equations.

Oct 27, 2005

dextercioby

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Yeah, too bad an electron's behavior cannot be described using classical physics, though.

Daniel.

1. Why does an electron spiral inwards while orbiting?

The reason for an electron spiraling inwards while orbiting is due to the presence of electromagnetic radiation. As the electron moves in a circular orbit, it accelerates and emits electromagnetic radiation. This radiation carries away energy from the electron, causing it to lose momentum and spiral inwards towards the nucleus.

2. Is the inward spiral of an electron in an orbit a violation of conservation of energy?

No, the inward spiral of an electron in an orbit does not violate the law of conservation of energy. This is because the energy lost by the electron in the form of electromagnetic radiation is equal to the energy gained by the nucleus due to the electron's inward motion. This maintains the total energy of the system.

3. Can an electron's orbit spiral outwards?

Yes, it is possible for an electron's orbit to spiral outwards. This can happen when the electron gains energy from an external source, such as absorbing a photon of electromagnetic radiation. As a result, the electron's orbit becomes larger, and it spirals outwards.

4. Does the spin of an electron affect its inward spiral?

No, the spin of an electron does not directly affect its inward spiral. The spiral is primarily caused by the electron's acceleration and emission of electromagnetic radiation, which is not influenced by its spin. However, the spin can indirectly affect the electron's motion through its interaction with the magnetic field.

5. Can an electron's orbit spiral inwards indefinitely?

No, an electron's orbit cannot spiral inwards indefinitely. The spiral will eventually stop when the electron reaches the lowest energy level or ground state. At this point, the electron can no longer lose energy through electromagnetic radiation, and it will maintain a stable orbit around the nucleus.