Accelerating Current: Does Bending a Wire Produce EM Radiation?

In summary, the conversation discusses the production of electromagnetic radiation through the acceleration of charged particles. It is stated that a steady current does not produce radiation, but when the current is accelerated, such as in a bent wire or in circular paths in accelerators, radiation is produced. This is known as synchrotron radiation, which is also used as a source of X-rays in some synchrotrons. However, the confusion arises when it is mentioned that even a steady current in a curved path should produce radiation like in a synchrotron, but this is not the case due to differences in the electric and magnetic fields.
  • #1
SandeshPhy
25
0
Current is simply flow of charge,
and acceleration of charged particles produces EM radiation.
Then if we bend a wire,charges(current) would be accelerated as they change direction,then a bent wire must radiate.Is it true?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Radiation is produced by a changing current, or a changing charge distribution. A steady current does not produce radiation, even in a circular wire.
 
  • #3
When charged particles, electrons, protons etc, are traveling in circular paths in accelerators they produce radiation sometimes know as synchrotron radiation.
Some synchrotrons are used as sources of X-rays.
 
  • #4
technician said:
When charged particles, electrons, protons etc, are traveling in circular paths in accelerators they produce radiation sometimes know as synchrotron radiation.
Some synchrotrons are used as sources of X-rays.

But then even steady current moving in curved path is same as electrons moving in synchrotons.the electrons do radiate so why doesn't the current(which is simply flow of electrons)?

I am totally confused here?
 
  • #5
A steady current in a circular wire has a constant charge density throughout. Maxwell's equations gives zero/constant electric field (if the wire is approx. zero charge or charged) and constant magnetic field - no radiation. An electron in a cyclotron does NOT have a constant charge density so the electric field is time dependent. For that matter the magnetic field would be more complicated too!

The way I understood the first post I imagined bending a wire as charge was flowing through it - in this case there would be radiation of course, since the magnetic field would change.
 

1. What is EM radiation?

EM radiation, also known as electromagnetic radiation, is a form of energy that is produced by the movement of electrically charged particles, such as electrons. It is made up of waves that have both electric and magnetic components and can travel through empty space.

2. How is EM radiation produced?

EM radiation is produced when an electrically charged particle, such as an electron, is accelerated or decelerated. This can happen through various processes, such as the movement of charged particles in a wire or the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields in an antenna.

3. Does bending a wire produce EM radiation?

Yes, bending a wire can produce EM radiation. This is because when a wire is bent, the electrons inside the wire experience a change in velocity, which causes them to accelerate or decelerate. This acceleration or deceleration produces EM radiation.

4. How does bending a wire produce EM radiation?

When a wire is bent, the electrons inside the wire experience a change in velocity. This change in velocity causes the electrons to accelerate or decelerate, which in turn creates oscillating electric and magnetic fields. These oscillating fields then travel through space as EM radiation.

5. What are some real-world applications of EM radiation produced by bending a wire?

EM radiation produced by bending a wire has many practical applications. Some examples include radio and TV broadcasting, wireless communication, and medical imaging techniques such as MRI. It is also used in various industrial processes, such as heating and welding.

Similar threads

Replies
61
Views
2K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
17
Views
1K
Replies
20
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
15
Views
1K
Replies
32
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
957
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
931
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
9
Views
7K
Back
Top