Point charge moving in an electric field

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SUMMARY

A point charge moving in an electric field generates an electric field and radiates energy, but the presence of a constant external electric field does not affect the calculation of radiated energy. When calculating the Poynting vector, the external field should not be added to the radiative component of the electric field if it remains constant. However, if the external electric field varies with position while the charge moves along a fixed axis, the interaction may need further analysis to determine its impact on radiated energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and point charges
  • Familiarity with the Poynting vector and its calculation
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic radiation principles
  • Basic concepts of field dependence on position
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of electromagnetic radiation from moving charges
  • Learn about the Poynting vector and its applications in electromagnetic theory
  • Investigate the effects of varying electric fields on charged particles
  • Explore advanced topics in electrodynamics, such as Larmor radiation
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying electromagnetism who are interested in the interactions between moving charges and electric fields.

em12
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A point charge accelerating through space generates an electric field and radiates energy. But how is this influenced if the point charge is moving along the field lines of an external electric field? Specifically how is calculation of radiated energy effected? Would you add the external field to the radiative component of the electric field (the 1/r dependent part) when calculating the Poynting vector, or is wrong?
Thanks.
 
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As long as the externally applied electric field is constant, it has no additional effect on the radiated energy.
 
zhermes said:
As long as the externally applied electric field is constant, it has no additional effect on the radiated energy.

What if, say the charged particle was moving along a fixed axis, and the applied electric field, was also on that axis, BUT dependent upon position.
 

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