Calculating Self Energy of Electrons: A Classical Approach

In summary, the conversation is about the self energy of electrons and two calculations related to it. The first calculation involves bringing two halves of an electron together and determining the energy required. The second calculation involves the charge of an electron spread uniformly over a spherical shell and determining the electric field at a distance from the center of the shell. The total energy stored in the field is also calculated. The person answering the questions reminds the other person that the problem does not require quantum mechanical treatment and can be solved using classical methods. The second person questions why the question was not posted in the appropriate section.
  • #1
microtopian
5
0
The following two questions regard the self energy of electrons.. Does anybody know how to start these? I used this site as reference but I wasn't sure if they help with these following questions: http://quantummechanics.ucsd.edu/ph130a/130_notes/node44.html

Calculation 1: Pretend the electron is made up of two halves, each with charge e/2. How much energy is required to bring the two halves together, i.e., so that they occupy the same point in space?

Calculation 2: That calculation was a bit over-simplified. Let’s do a better job. Pretend that the charge of an electron is spread uniformly over the surface of a spherical shell with radius r0. Next calculate the electric field everywhere in space, i.e., at an arbitrary distance r from the center of the shell. Obviously the answer will depend on r and r0. Next, calculate the total energy stored in the field, by integrating the energy density u over all space. Finally, let the “electron” become a point particle, by letting r0 go to zero.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
the questions you have to answer are classical electrodynamics, and you are looking at quantum effects and are in the wrong forum.

to answer your question, remember the function for potential, and then remember that the potential specifies bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to some point in that field.
 
  • #3
By the looks of it,the problem needs no quantum mechanical treatment at all.

If it's classical,how would you do it,then??

Why didn't u post it in the HM section??

Daniel.
 

1. What is the self energy of an electron?

The self energy of an electron refers to the energy that an electron possesses due to its own electric field. This energy is a result of the electron's charge and mass interacting with itself.

2. How is the self energy of an electron calculated?

The self energy of an electron is calculated using the equation E = kq2/r, where E is the energy, k is the Coulomb constant, q is the charge of the electron, and r is the distance between the electron and its own electric field.

3. Why is the concept of self energy important in physics?

Understanding the self energy of electrons is important in physics because it helps explain the stability and behavior of atoms and molecules. It also plays a role in the interactions between particles in quantum mechanics.

4. Can the self energy of an electron be measured?

While the self energy of an electron cannot be directly measured, its effects can be observed through experiments and calculations. This allows scientists to make predictions and understand the behavior of particles at the atomic level.

5. How does the self energy of an electron relate to other forms of energy?

The self energy of an electron is a form of potential energy, as it is the energy that an object possesses due to its position or configuration. This potential energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy, in interactions with other particles.

Similar threads

I Potential Energy of an Electron-Nuclei Interaction in DFT
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
703
A Bound states of an electron trapped in a dipole field
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
823
I The electron as a smeared charge density
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
13
Views
2K
A Renormalization (Electron self energy)
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
I What part of physics describes what happens just outside of an electron?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
8
Views
922
A Scalar decay to one-loop in Yukawa interaction
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
B How does the electric field of an electron compare to its probability wave?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
5
Views
1K
A Issue in the electron’s infinite self-energy
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
A Is the quantum mechanics explanation for the propagation of light adequate enough to be understood?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
423
A Change in the EM field energy due to dispersion of a wave packet
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
20
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top