The discussion revolves around the behavior of oscillating charged particles and the generation of electromagnetic (E.M.) waves, particularly from the perspective of an observer oscillating in parallel with the charged particle. Participants explore the implications of different frames of reference and the detection of E.M. radiation.
Participants express differing views on whether an observer in a non-inertial frame can detect E.M. radiation from an oscillating charge. Some argue that detection is possible despite the observer's frame, while others question the implications of being at rest relative to the charge.
The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of motion (inertial vs. non-inertial) and the conditions under which E.M. waves can be detected. There are unresolved aspects regarding the specifics of how detection occurs in different frames.
I am sorry, I don't understand this, the radios thing.Ibix said:but nobody else's radios are going to stop working just because you're shaking him around.
In a frame that is accelerating...Slimy0233 said:I mean, it's literally at rest from his perspective.
sorry Dr, but what's your point? please explainDrClaude said:In a frame that is accelerating...
Well, if there's a source of radio waves then radio detectors will be able to detect them. Even if your friend's radio is disabled by circumstance, he can still hear other radios detecting the waves, so he knows they're there. And he can tell he's oscillating using accelerometers, so even assuming that the oscillation disables the radio he can correct for it and make his radio inertial.Slimy0233 said:I am sorry, I don't understand this, the radios thing.
You detect radio waves using the motion of electrons in a wire under the changing electromagnetic field of the wave. If you oscillate the wire I think you will cause the electrons to oscillate along with it, and they will be further accelerated by the electromagnetic field of the wave. So I think you'll still get a response from the receiver.Slimy0233 said:Also, I get a feeling that you are saying he would be able to detect those oscillations? I mean, it's literally at rest from his perspective. So, I was just wondering how?
You seem to be thinking that in the frame where he particle is at rest, since it is at rest and not accelerating, it cannot emit radiation. But that is only true for particles at rest in inertial frames.Slimy0233 said:sorry Dr, but what's your point? please explain
thank you very much for explaining that.DrClaude said:You seem to be thinking that in the frame where he particle is at rest, since it is at rest and not accelerating, it cannot emit radiation. But that is only true for particles at rest in inertial frames.
hey... thank you again! that's very helpful!Ibix said:Well, if there's a source of radio waves then radio detectors will be able to detect them. Even if your friend's radio is disabled by circumstance, he can still hear other radios detecting the waves, so he knows they're there. And he can tell he's oscillating using accelerometers, so even assuming that the oscillation disables the radio he can correct for it and make his radio inertial.
You detect radio waves using the motion of electrons in a wire under the changing electromagnetic field of the wave. If you oscillate the wire I think you will cause the electrons to oscillate along with it, and they will be further accelerated by the electromagnetic field of the wave. So I think you'll still get a response from the receiver.
Remember that your friend can detect whether he is moving inertially or not in an absolute sense. So he can tell whether the charged particle holding position infront of his nose is moving inertially or not. It is, therefore, not at all obvious that he shouldn't expect EM radiation.