How Does the Larmor Formula Relate to Energy Conservation in Electron Motion?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the application of the Larmor formula in classical electromagnetism to demonstrate energy conservation in electron motion. The Larmor formula describes the power radiated by an accelerated charge, specifically an electron, and is given by P=2/3*e²*a²/c³. The problem involves showing how the radius of the electron's orbit evolves over time under the adiabatic approximation, leading to the relationship r³(t)=r³(0)-4r₀²ct. Participants suggest using energy conservation principles, differentiating energy expressions related to circular motion, and applying classical mechanics to derive the necessary equations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly relating power, energy, and acceleration in the context of electron motion.
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Homework Statement


In classical electromagnetism, an accelerated charge emits electromagnetic radiation. In non-relativistic
limit, where the velocity of the electron is smaller than c, the total power radiated is given by the
Larmor formula, to wit P=2/3*e2*a2/c3, where a denotes the acceleration of the electron. I am expected to use energy conservation, dE/dt=P, to show that in the adiabatic approximation in which the orbit remains nearly circular at all times, the radius of the electron evolves with time as:
r3(t)=r3(0)-4r02ct, where r(0) is the initial radius at t=0 and r0=e2/(mc2) is the classical radius of the electron.

2. Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


The general expression for energy in circular motion is:
E=1/2*m*ω2r2-e/r2
When I differentiate that wrt time and equate the result to P, I obtain the following:
md2r/dr2*dr/dt+2e(dr/dt)/r3=2/3*e*(d2r/dr2)2/c3 but I am not sure how to proceed. Any advice?
 
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I'm not entirely sure, but using the fact ##dE = P \space dt##, and ##dE = m\omega^2r + \frac{2e}{r^3} \space dr##, I think you should solve:

$$\int P \space dt = \int [m\omega^2 + \frac{2e}{r^3}] \space dr$$
 
The general expression for energy in circular motion is:
E=1/2*m*ω2r2-e/r2
Doesn't look good to me.

Also, in this derivation you are supposed to make good use of a classical F = ma to give you an expression for a.
 
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