An accelerating electron emits electromagnetic waves, resulting in energy loss, while an electron moving at a constant velocity does not experience this energy loss despite producing electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields. This phenomenon is explained by the principles of relativity, which state that all inertial frames are equivalent for describing natural laws. The discussion emphasizes that motion is relative; an electron can appear stationary from one frame of reference while moving in another. Understanding these concepts is crucial for grasping the behavior of charged particles in different inertial frames.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, students of electromagnetism, and anyone interested in the principles of relativity and particle behavior will benefit from this discussion.
vidmar, what have you heard happens when the electron is slowing down again?vidmar said:I've heard it been said many a times that an electron, which is accelerating, will lose energy via the emittion of electromagnetic waves (it produces E and H around itself ...). Why doesn't an electron moving at a constant velocity (and also poroducing E and H) also lose energy on this account.
According to the principle of relativity (in the restricted sense), all inertial frames are equivalent for the description of the laws of nature. How do you call one electron moving and one standing still? There is no such thing in an absolute sense. If an electron is moving relative to you, it can still be standing still relative to someone else.vidmar said:Why doesn't an electron moving at a constant velocity (and also poroducing E and H) also lose energy on this account.