Radiation from accelerated charge

In summary, when a charge undergoes acceleration, it emits electromagnetic radiation. This radiation takes away some of the charge's kinetic energy, causing it to slow down. The energy for this radiation comes from an external force that accelerates the charge, such as an electrical field in a particle accelerator. This means that when calculating the speed of an accelerated charge, one must take into account both the acceleration from the external force and the deceleration from the emitted radiation.
  • #1
azaharak
152
0
If a charge undergoes acceleration it emits electromagnetic radiation.


Where does the energy associated with this radiation come from?


Thank you very much
 
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  • #2
The charge recoils against the radiation and slows. Another way to look at it is that it is harder to accelerate a charged object than an equivalent neutral object.
 
  • #3
azaharak said:
If a charge undergoes acceleration it emits electromagnetic radiation.

Where does the energy associated with this radiation come from?

Thank you very much

Whatever has accelerated the charge has put energy into it to get it going. An external force does work, the charge gains kinetic energy, then gives off some of this kinetic energy as radiative energy and slows down in the process.

Think of a circular particle accelerator speeding up small bunches of protons along its circular track. Energy from the electrical power grid is transferred into the electromagnetic control fields used to accelerate the protons. The protons then emit some of that energy as radiation.
 
  • #4
So then in undergradaute texts, when your given a proton in an external electric field, and asked to find the speed of the proton after some time t, technically you can not use kinematic equations and assume the acceleration will be the field times charge divided by mass, as it should be loosing some of its kinetic energy simultaneously as it is accelerating.



Obviously we shouldn't even tackle this with classical mechanics.
 
  • #5
well the accelerating will be that from the field, but its speed will be affected by some other deceleration which accounts for the lost kinetic energy too
 

1. What is radiation from accelerated charge?

Radiation from accelerated charge is a phenomenon where an electrically charged particle, such as an electron, is accelerated and emits electromagnetic radiation as it moves. This radiation can be in the form of radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, or gamma rays.

2. How is radiation from accelerated charge different from other types of radiation?

Radiation from accelerated charge is different from other types of radiation, such as radioactive decay or thermal radiation, because it is caused by the acceleration of charged particles rather than the decay of unstable atoms or the thermal energy of a substance.

3. What are some common sources of radiation from accelerated charge?

Some common sources of radiation from accelerated charge include lightning, radio and television transmitters, X-ray machines, and particle accelerators used in research laboratories.

4. Is radiation from accelerated charge harmful?

Radiation from accelerated charge can be harmful if a person is exposed to high levels of it for an extended period of time. This can cause damage to cells and tissues in the body. However, the levels of radiation emitted by most everyday sources are too low to cause harm.

5. How is radiation from accelerated charge used in technology and research?

Radiation from accelerated charge has many practical applications, such as in medical imaging, cancer treatment, and industrial processes. It is also used in scientific research to study the behavior of particles and to create new materials through controlled radiation-induced reactions.

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