Relativity and Photon Emission

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relativistic effects of acceleration on electrons, particularly focusing on the perspectives of two electrons, A and B, during acceleration. It explores concepts related to photon emission, electric field changes, and the invariance of acceleration in different frames of reference.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that from electron A's perspective, electron B appears to be accelerating, raising questions about photon absorption.
  • Others argue that acceleration is invariant, stating that electron B will not appear to be accelerating from any frame of reference, as measured by an accelerometer.
  • One participant suggests that electron B would experience a change in electric field direction equivalent to that emitted from an accelerating electron B.
  • A follow-up question seeks clarification on how the change in electric field direction is observed by electron A.
  • Another participant asks whether the discussion pertains to acceleration producing electromagnetic radiation or to inertial motion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the perception of acceleration between the two electrons, with some asserting that acceleration is invariant while others suggest different perspectives. The discussion remains unresolved with competing views on the implications of acceleration and electric field changes.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of acceleration and its measurement, as well as the implications of electric field changes in different frames of reference. There are unresolved questions about the relationship between acceleration and photon emission.

Danyon
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Consider another situation where electron A accelerates past stationary electron B. However. from the perspective of electron A, Electron B appears to be accelerating, does this mean that A could absorb a photon from electron B?
 
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Danyon said:
However. from the perspective of electron A, Electron B appears to be accelerating,

Not true. Acceleration is invariant. Electron B will never appear to be accelerating.

By acceleration we mean acceleration that can be measured by an accelerometer. An accelerometer in the accelerating frame of electron A will measure an acceleration and all observers will agree on this. However, an accelerometer in electron B's frame of reference will not measure an acceleration and, again, all observers will agree on this.
 
Electron B should still experience an change in electric field direction that is equivalent to the change in electric fields that would be emitted from an accelerating Electron B
 
Danyon said:
Electron B should still experience an change in electric field direction that is equivalent to the change in electric fields that would be emitted from an accelerating Electron B

How so?
 
Drakkith said:
How so?

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/q89/s720x720/10306554_890128071029013_2650702652873704122_n.jpg?oh=48b1c7905c75c460f43c0011b05b62ee&oe=5587EF5F&__gda__=1434603337_872b3ab1b9f019de7972ac890fca7603
Electron A accelerates along the large arrow , the change in electric field direction (Indicated by the smaller arrows) observed by electron A is Equivalent to the electric field change observed at B
 
Last edited:
Are you talking about acceleration, which produces EM radiation, or about inertial motion?
 
Drakkith said:
Are you talking about acceleration, which produces EM radiation, or about inertial motion?
Acceleration
 

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