Energy lost by charge due to acceleration.

AI Thread Summary
Energy is lost when a charge accelerates, primarily in the form of electromagnetic waves. This energy is derived from the process that accelerates the charge, necessitating additional work to achieve the same acceleration compared to an uncharged object. The concept of a "radiation reaction force" is introduced, which opposes the acceleration of charged particles. Consequently, the energy of the emitted electromagnetic waves originates from the work done against this radiation reaction force. This phenomenon is classified as a classical effect rather than a quantum mechanical one.
Puneeth423
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We knew energy is lost when a charge accelerates. What is the form of the energy? Which form of energy of theirs are these charges releasing?
 
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The energy is given off in the form of electromagnetic waves. The energy ultimately comes from whatever process is accelerating the charge. That is, because some of the energy gets radiated away, you need to do more work to accelerate a charged object than an equivalent uncharged object. Thus we speak of a "radiation reaction force" that opposes the acceleration of charged particles. We can say that the energy of the radiated EM waves comes from the work you do against this radiation reaction force.

(Since you posted this in the QM forum, you might note that this is a purely classical phenomenon, not a quantum mechanical one.)
 

Thread 'Why measure the speed of light in one direction?'

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