Acceleration of electron and radiation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the acceleration of electrons in conductors and whether they emit electromagnetic radiation as predicted by classical electrodynamics. It explores the implications of scattering events in real-world conductors and the quantization of electromagnetic radiation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether electrons in a conductor emit radiation when they accelerate, referencing classical electrodynamics.
  • Another participant asserts that electrons do emit radiation, but emphasizes that in practical conductors, scattering events disrupt continuous acceleration, leading to an average effect that results in observable magnetic fields rather than radiation.
  • A different participant introduces the idea that electromagnetic radiation is quantized, suggesting that radiation occurs only when sufficient energy is produced to fill a quanta.
  • There is a repeated emphasis on the quantization of electromagnetic radiation, indicating a potential misunderstanding or need for clarification regarding how this relates to the emission of radiation by accelerating electrons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions under which electrons emit radiation, with some agreeing on the emission of radiation while others highlight the complexities introduced by scattering and quantization. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of radiation emission in practical scenarios.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not fully address the assumptions regarding the conditions under which radiation is emitted or the implications of scattering events on the overall behavior of electrons in conductors.

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They do emit radiation. However, in a real-world conductor like copper wire, there are many many scattering events that interrupt the acceleration. On a macroscopic scale radiation from acceleration and decelleration due to scattering averages out and the only think you see is the magnetic field due to the current = average velocity*number of charge carriers.
 
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Likes   Reactions: Sagar Singh
thanks
 
Also, electro-magnetic radiation is quantized. There will be no radiation until the moving electron has (in a very rough sense) produced enough electro-magnetic energy to "fill" one quanta.
 
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Likes   Reactions: Sagar Singh
HallsofIvy said:
Also, electro-magnetic radiation is quantized. There will be no radiation until the moving electron has (in a very rough sense) produced enough electro-magnetic energy to "fill" one quanta.
thanks sir
 

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