Angular Distribution of Radiated Power Emitted by an Accelerated Point Charge
Angular Distribution of Radiated Power Emitted by an Accelerated Point Charge
A charged particle naturally produces an electric field and, when in motion, also a magnetic field. Furthermore, if accelerated, the particle also emits electromagnetic radiation at the speed of light .
c
This Demonstration shows the angular distribution of power of the electromagnetic radiation due to a point charge with collinear velocity and acceleration using Lorentz gauge in Cartesian coordinates. This is a function of the velocity through the parameter . As the speed approaches the speed of light, the radiation points toward the direction of motion whether the particle is being accelerated or decelerated. The graphic represents the angular distribution of power in the moving frame of the particle. For simplicity, the acceleration is assumed to be constant, such that /16c=1.
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π