Power radiated by several charges and the Larmor Formula

In summary, the conversation discusses the limitations of the Larmor Formula in calculating radiated power in certain scenarios, particularly when dealing with point particles or multiple independently moving charged particles.
  • #1
USeptim
98
5
Hello,

The Larmor Formula tells how much power radiates a particle under the effect of acceleration if it's lonely on the space and it's often used to calculate radiative losses. However, I have seen some situations where the total radiated power cannot be obtained as the sum of Larmor formula over the charges.Let's consider this simple scenerio: we have only two charged particles (A and B) in the universe, both with the same charge (electrons). In some time to they have no relative velocity one another and are separated a distance D in the x axis.In that time both particles are suffering the same force but with opposite direction [itex]F_C = -F_D [/itex].Since v=0, the radiated electric field will is:

[itex]E = (q/c)*(n x (n x a ) ) / ( [1 - n · v/c ]^3*R^2) [/itex]Where n is the unitary vector: n = R / R, a is the acceleration and R the distance from the charge to the point.Since the accelerations are the opposite, in a point P in the far distance R, where R >>> D, we can consider [itex]R_AP = R_BP[/itex] and therefore the electric field contributions from both particles will cancel one another given a null radiated power.Of course, if we see the field at distance R from A at time to + R/c the contribution of B will not be from to but from to - [itex]n_x[/itex]*D/c so the speed of B will not be exactly zero and the radiated field will not exactly cancel but we can neglect this little difference.

This makes me to think that Larmor formula is not usefull to describe the radiated power in all the situations. Does anybody see any mistake in these statements?

Sergio
 
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  • #2
Your conclusion is correct. The Larmor formula is valid only for isolated particle with spatially extended charge distribution. If particle is a point, Larmor's formula is invalid (the assumptions of the Poynting theorem it is based on do not hold). If there are several independently moving charged particles contributing to the total field, the Larmor formula is not valid either (interference of the fields).
 
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  • #3
Thanks Jano L. That was what I was suspecting.
 

What is the Larmor Formula?

The Larmor Formula is a mathematical equation that describes the power radiated by accelerating charged particles. It is named after English physicist Joseph Larmor, who first derived it in the late 19th century.

How is the power radiated by several charges calculated?

The power radiated by several charges is calculated by summing the individual power radiated by each charge, using the Larmor Formula. This takes into account the position, velocity, and acceleration of each charge.

What types of charges can be used in the Larmor Formula?

The Larmor Formula can be used for any type of charged particles, including electrons, protons, and ions. It can also be applied to macroscopic charged objects, such as a plasma or a charged metal sphere.

What is the relationship between power and acceleration in the Larmor Formula?

The Larmor Formula shows that the power radiated by an accelerating charge is directly proportional to the square of its acceleration. This means that the faster a charge accelerates, the more power it will radiate.

Can the Larmor Formula be used for non-accelerating charges?

No, the Larmor Formula is only applicable to accelerating charges. If a charge is moving at a constant velocity, it is not accelerating and therefore does not radiate any power. The formula also does not take into account any external fields or interactions that may be affecting the charges.

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