What is the initial kinetic energy of a point charge traveling at velocity v?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ed Quanta
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Formula
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the initial kinetic energy of a point charge traveling at velocity v, acknowledging that energy is radiated during acceleration as described by Larmor's formula. The initial kinetic energy is questioned, particularly how to represent it numerically, especially when considering deceleration and energy loss. While traditional kinetic energy is expressed as E=1/2mv^2, the conversation highlights that at relativistic speeds, kinetic energy is better defined as the difference between total energy (mc^2) and rest energy (m0c^2). The relationship between charge and kinetic energy is also emphasized, suggesting that for charged particles like electrons, charge and velocity may be more relevant than mass alone. Ultimately, understanding kinetic energy in the context of both charge and relativistic effects is crucial.
Ed Quanta
Messages
296
Reaction score
0
I understand that when a point charge accelerates that it radiates energy due to the acceleration field. Larmor's formula shows the power which is radiated, and is written: P=uoq^2a^2/6(pi)c. My question is this. How can you calculate the initial kinetic energy of a point charge which is traveling at a velocity v? I understand that if the point charge is decelerating until it reaches v=0 then its kinetic energy will be less because it radiated energy away while accelerating. But I am just not sure how to numerically represent the total kinetic energy of the particle prior to decelerating. Is it just E= 1/2qv^2?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Kinetic energy for particles going at ordinary speeds is m0v2/2.

However, when getting close to the speed of light, the kinetic energy is the difference between the total energy and the rest energy. The total energy is mc2 while the rest energy is m0c2. m=m0/sqrt(1-(v/c)2).
 
Isn't 1/2mv^2=gravitational kinetic energy? If talking about the kinetic energy of an electron, wouldn't it be more accurate to talk of kinetic energy in terms of charge and velocity since charge is what causes the electric force?
 
Thread 'Gauss' law seems to imply instantaneous electric field'
Imagine a charged sphere at the origin connected through an open switch to a vertical grounded wire. We wish to find an expression for the horizontal component of the electric field at a distance ##\mathbf{r}## from the sphere as it discharges. By using the Lorenz gauge condition: $$\nabla \cdot \mathbf{A} + \frac{1}{c^2}\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial t}=0\tag{1}$$ we find the following retarded solutions to the Maxwell equations If we assume that...
I passed a motorcycle on the highway going the opposite direction. I know I was doing 125/km/h. I estimated that the frequency of his motor dropped by an entire octave, so that's a doubling of the wavelength. My intuition is telling me that's extremely unlikely. I can't actually calculate how fast he was going with just that information, can I? It seems to me, I have to know the absolute frequency of one of those tones, either shifted up or down or unshifted, yes? I tried to mimic the...
Back
Top