Electrons in uniform magnetic field.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of electrons in a uniform magnetic field, specifically addressing the effects of Lorentz force on their motion and the potential for radiation emission, such as bremsstrahlung or synchrotron radiation, when their velocity changes. The scope includes theoretical considerations and implications for different types of particle accelerators.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why an electron in a uniform magnetic field does not radiate when its path curves, despite experiencing acceleration towards the center of the circular motion.
  • Another participant suggests looking into "synchrotron radiation," indicating it is relevant in the context of circular electron accelerators.
  • A participant clarifies that synchrotron radiation is specific to circular motion and questions its relevance in linear accelerators.
  • Another reply asserts that radiation can also occur during linear acceleration, referencing the Larmor formula as a basis for this claim.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions under which radiation occurs for electrons in magnetic fields, with some focusing on synchrotron radiation in circular accelerators and others asserting that radiation can also arise in linear accelerators. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of radiation emission in these contexts.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of radiation types and the conditions under which they apply, as well as the assumptions about the motion of electrons in different accelerator configurations.

DemoniWaari
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Hello.

So I was wondering that when you shoot an electron through an uniform magnetic field, obviously Lorenz force starts to skew the path to that corkscrew shape that we all know. But then there is an acceleration towards the center of the circle, and if the the velocity of the electron changes, isn't there supposed to be bremsstrahlung radiation then? I don't think that it happens because then the electron should radiate and the radii should decay. Right?

But why? What is the difference between this and an electron that has it's velocity changed due to a proton?
 
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Look up "synchrotron radiation." It's a factor in designing circular electron accelerators.
 
Yes I'm familiar with that, but isn't that only with the circular accelerators? So if I have a linear accelerator this would not be present.
 

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