Loss of electron & proton energy due to radiation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on comparing the energy loss of electrons and protons due to radiation emitted during acceleration, particularly in the context of particle accelerators. Participants explore the conditions under which these particles emit radiation and the implications of their respective energy losses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the specific type of radiation emissions being discussed, particularly whether it refers to electromagnetic radiation.
  • It is noted that radiative emissions from point charges depend on motion, specifically acceleration, charge force, and mass, with a suggestion that isolated particles do not spontaneously radiate.
  • Participants clarify that electrons do not constantly emit electromagnetic radiation unless they are accelerated, prompting questions about the type of acceleration and specific scenarios.
  • One participant suggests considering scenarios such as those found in particle accelerators to understand the context of radiation emission better.
  • References to "synchrotron radiation" are made as a potential starting point for understanding the energy loss in accelerated particles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specifics of the scenario being discussed, including the type of acceleration and the conditions under which radiation is emitted. There is no consensus on which particle loses more energy or under what conditions this comparison should be made.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific definitions of acceleration types and does not resolve the complexities involved in comparing energy loss between electrons and protons in different scenarios.

Adams2020
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TL;DR
Can you compare the energy loss of electrons and protons due to the radiation they emit?
Can you compare the energy loss of electrons and protons due to the radiation they emit? In fact, I want to know which of the two loses more energy when it emits radiation.
 
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Adams2020 said:
Summary:: Can you compare the energy loss of electrons and protons due to the radiation they emit?

Can you compare the energy loss of electrons and protons due to the radiation they emit? In fact, I want to know which of the two loses more energy when it emits radiation.
What radiation emissions are you talking about here?
 
Radiative emissions from a point charge depend upon the motion (particularly the acceleration) and hence charge force and mass. For a more complicated system it is, well, more complicated.
For practical purposes neither particle will spontaneously "radiate" if isolated.
 
PeroK said:
What radiation emissions are you talking about here?
Electromagnetic radiation
 
Adams2020 said:
Electromagnetic radiation
What scenario are you thinking of? An electron isn't constantly spontaneously emitting EM radiation. It creates an electric field - perhaps you are thinking of that?
 
PeroK said:
What scenario are you thinking of? An electron isn't constantly spontaneously emitting EM radiation. It creates an electric field - perhaps you are thinking of that?
I did not mean spontaneously. Does it not emit radiation when the electron is accelerated?
 
Adams2020 said:
Does it not emit radiation when the electron is accelerated?
That's the first you've mentioned acceleration. What sort of acceleration? Do you have a particular experiment in mind? If not, your question is like asking whether a car or a motorbike loses more energy when it brakes?
 
PeroK said:
That's the first you've mentioned acceleration. What sort of acceleration? Do you have a particular experiment in mind? If not, your question is like asking whether a car or a motorbike loses more energy when it brakes?
I do not know its sort. Suppose it is inside a particle accelerator.
 

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