When does an accelerated electron not radiate?

  • Thread starter Thread starter pej.dgr
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Electron
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the radiation of accelerated electrons in classical electrodynamics versus quantum mechanics. It asserts that classical electrodynamics posits that any charged particle with non-zero acceleration radiates energy continuously, while quantum mechanics suggests that if a particle has no attainable lower energy state, it will not radiate. Phil Gardner emphasizes the importance of consulting the FAQ in the General Physics section for further clarification on this topic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical electrodynamics principles
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts
  • Knowledge of energy states in physics
  • Ability to navigate online physics forums
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of radiation in classical electrodynamics
  • Study quantum mechanics and energy state transitions
  • Explore the implications of stationary states in quantum systems
  • Review the FAQ section in physics forums for common questions and clarifications
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and researchers interested in the nuances of radiation theory in both classical and quantum frameworks.

pej.dgr
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Classical electrodynamics assumes that any charged particle that has a non-zero acceleration is, all the time, radiating energy even if most of the time the energy loss is far too small to detect. Anyone who accepts the physical existence of stationary states rejects the “all the time” assumption.

I would read quantum mechanics as saying “If with no change in the velocity of the particle there is no attainable state of lower energy there will be no radiation?”

Is this correct?

Phil Gardner
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Please read our FAQ in the General Physics section.

Zz.
 
How does one find your FAQ? A search for "FAQ" turns up nothing. A title search for "Freqently" or "asked" turns up nothing relevant.

Phil Gardner
 
pej.dgr said:
How does one find your FAQ? A search for "FAQ" turns up nothing. A title search for "Freqently" or "asked" turns up nothing relevant.

Phil Gardner

Er... as was mentioned, go to the General Physics forum. One of the stickied thread is titled "Physics Forums FAQ".

Zz.
 
what a rat guy zapperz
 

Thread 'Two equivalent statements of time reversal symmetric Hamiltonian'

Time reversal invariant Hamiltonians must satisfy ##[H,\Theta]=0## where ##\Theta## is time reversal operator. However, in some texts (for example see Many-body Quantum Theory in Condensed Matter Physics an introduction, HENRIK BRUUS and KARSTEN FLENSBERG, Corrected version: 14 January 2016, section 7.1.4) the time reversal invariant condition is introduced as ##H=H^*##. How these two conditions are identical?
View full post »

Similar threads

Graduate What is the quantum picture of laser field accelerating free electrons?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Quantum behaviour of an electron around a positively charged sphere
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
838
Undergrad Blackbody Radiation: Questions Answered on Causes & Oscillators
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Can an electron in a magnetic field radiate a virtual photon?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Electrons keeping dynamical quantum fluctuations?
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
Undergrad The electron as a smeared charge density
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Undergrad The physical components in the electron double slit experiment
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Undergrad How Do Radio Antennas Function in Quantum Mechanics?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Blackbody radiation in quantum mechanics
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate Cause of spontaneous emission?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K