Relativity and Photon Emission

In summary: EM radiation, but in this scenario, electron B will not experience acceleration. So, it is not possible for electron A to absorb a photon from electron B. In summary, from the perspective of electron A, electron B will not appear to be accelerating. This is because acceleration is invariant and all observers will agree on this. Additionally, electron B will not experience acceleration, meaning that it is not possible for electron A to absorb a photon from electron B.
  • #1
Danyon
83
1
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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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
 
  • #4
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?
 
  • #5
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
 
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  • #6
Are you talking about acceleration, which produces EM radiation, or about inertial motion?
 
  • #7
Drakkith said:
Are you talking about acceleration, which produces EM radiation, or about inertial motion?
Acceleration
 

1. What is the theory of relativity?

The theory of relativity is a scientific theory developed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century. It consists of two main parts: the special theory of relativity and the general theory of relativity. The special theory of relativity deals with the laws of physics in non-accelerating frames of reference, while the general theory of relativity deals with the laws of physics in all frames of reference, including accelerating frames.

2. How does the theory of relativity explain the behavior of light?

The theory of relativity explains the behavior of light by stating that the speed of light is constant in all frames of reference. This means that no matter how fast an observer is moving, they will always measure the speed of light to be the same. Additionally, the theory of relativity shows that the energy of light is directly proportional to its frequency, and that light can be affected by gravity, causing it to bend around massive objects.

3. What is photon emission?

Photon emission is the process by which a particle, such as an electron, releases energy in the form of a photon. This typically occurs when an electron moves from a higher energy state to a lower energy state, and the energy difference is emitted as a photon. Photon emission is also responsible for many natural phenomena, such as light from the sun and the glow of fireflies.

4. How does relativity affect the process of photon emission?

Relativity affects the process of photon emission by showing that the energy of the emitted photon is dependent on the observer's frame of reference. This means that different observers will measure the energy of the photon differently, depending on their relative motion. Additionally, relativity also explains the phenomenon of redshift, where light from distant objects appears to have a longer wavelength due to the expansion of the universe.

5. What are some practical applications of relativity and photon emission?

Relativity and photon emission have several practical applications in modern technology. For example, the principles of relativity are used in GPS systems to accurately calculate the position of objects on Earth. Photon emission is also used in various technologies such as solar panels, lasers, and medical imaging devices. Additionally, the study of relativity and photon emission has led to a deeper understanding of the behavior of light and the fundamental laws of the universe.

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