Why according to classical, electron circuling around the nucleus will emit EM wave?

In summary, according to classical theory, an electron circling around the nucleus will emit an electromagnetic wave and lose energy, ultimately leading to its collapse. This is explained by the Lienard-Wiechert potentials and Jefimenko's Equations, derived from Maxwell's Equations. A helpful resource for understanding this concept is Jackson's Classical Electrodynamics and the Wikipedia page on synchrotron radiation. Additionally, a calculation of the radiation loss for a charged particle in a circular accelerator can be found on the website provided.
  • #1
kntsy
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why according to classical, electron circuling around the nucleus will emit EM wave and lose energy and collapse?

I know electron undergoes circular acceleration, but why emit EM wave?
 
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  • #3


can't this be shown using Maxwell's equations?

that might be more helpful to him
 
  • #4


Curl said:
can't this be shown using Maxwell's equations?

that might be more helpful to him

It isn't a simple task to do so. But the sources provided above, the wikipedia link and Jackson's, do have the derivation from Maxwell's Equations. Suffice to say though one can see from the Lienard-Wiechert potentials or Jefimenko's Equations that an accelerating charge emits an electromagnetic wave. These equations are derived via Maxwell's but the exact process isn't so simple.
 
  • #5


This page calculates the radiation loss for a charged particle in a circular accelerator:

http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/em/lectures/node131.html

Substitute numbers for a classically-orbiting atomic electron and see what you get.

To see the derivation of the formula used, click from that page to the "previous" pages on the Larmor formula and accelerated charges in general.
 

1. Why do electrons emit EM waves when circling the nucleus according to classical theory?

According to classical theory, electrons emit EM waves because they are accelerating as they circle the nucleus. This acceleration causes a change in the electron's electric field, which in turn produces an electromagnetic wave.

2. How does the emission of EM waves by electrons impact the stability of atoms?

The emission of EM waves by electrons can cause atoms to lose energy and become less stable. This is known as the "radiation damping" effect and can eventually lead to the collapse of the atom.

3. Can the emission of EM waves by electrons be observed in everyday objects?

Yes, the emission of EM waves by electrons is a common occurrence in everyday objects. For example, the glow of a light bulb is caused by the emission of EM waves from accelerated electrons.

4. What is the relationship between the frequency of emitted EM waves and the energy of the electron?

The frequency of an emitted EM wave is directly proportional to the energy of the electron. This means that as the energy of the electron increases, the frequency of the emitted EM wave also increases.

5. Does the emission of EM waves by electrons violate the law of conservation of energy?

No, the emission of EM waves by electrons does not violate the law of conservation of energy. This is because the energy lost by the electron in the form of EM waves is equal to the energy gained by the surrounding environment.

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