Is All Electromagnetic Radiation Emitted by Charged Particles?

[Froglet]

I recently read an article online stating that electromagnetic radiation is 'a form of energy emitted and absorbed by charged particles'.

This isn't always correct, is it? I mean, I know that charged particles that are accelerating can emit bremsstrahlung and synchrotron radiation, but my own body will emit thermal infra-red, and I'm not made up of charged particles. Also, as I understand it, an atom can emit or absorb e-m radiation simply by electron transitions between energy levels; the atom is still neutral (although it could be in an excited state.)

Am I correct, or hopelessly confused?

Thanks,

Paul.

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi Paul!

I recently read an article online stating that electromagnetic radiation is 'a form of energy emitted and absorbed by charged particles'.

… an atom can emit or absorb e-m radiation simply by electron transitions between energy levels

but that is emission by charged particles, isn't it?

 

[Froglet]

Hi Paul!


but that is emission by charged particles, isn't it?

Yes, you're right of course...brain-freeze moment on my part! No further replies necessary!

 

[gomunkul51]

Basically charges affects other charge solely via EMF (photons).Roman.

 

[Khashishi]

Electromagnetic radiation also comes from annihilation of particles, regardless of charge. I suppose an uncharged black hole also emits EM radiation.

 

[gomunkul51]

In the annihilation of particles charge is conserved and as far as I know Electromagnetic radiation is still created by Charge (electrons and/or quarks). In a black EM radiation is, as far as I know, created by Charges and escapes the event horizon due to virtual charged particle annihilation...

Cheers.Roman.

 

[haruspex]

In the case of thermal radiation from your own body, it would mostly be a result of internal vibrations in polar molecules, such as H2O.