Can an electron emit a single photon without violating conservation laws?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of an electron emitting a single photon and the potential violation of conservation of momentum and energy. The possibility of this happening in a cyclotron radiation scenario is considered, with the conclusion that the momentum and energy can be attributed to the external B field. The concept of bremmstrahlung radiation is also mentioned, with the idea that the momentum is shared between the electron and the external equipment.
  • #1
cragar
2,552
3
Someone told me that an electron can't emit a single photon because
it would violate conservation of momentum and energy.
I thought about cyclotron radiation. Let's say an electron is being bent in a B field
so it starts to radiate, can't we just say that this momentum and energy came from the
B field.
 
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  • #2
it is the free electron which can not emit photon.Under the action of potentials,it will like in bremmstrahlung(spelling may be wrong) it does get accelerated and it radiates.In case of magnetic field,when charge particle is there.It will emit radiation, it is particularity of what is called synchrotron radiation.Just google to find out more on this.
 
  • #3
If an electron is having its path bent by some external field, there must be (relatively) massive piece of equipment involved so the electron is not actually 'isolated'. A photon of bremmstrahlung radiation will have momentum but the whole of the electron plus accelerating kit could be regarded as sharing the momentum that's exchanged.
 

Related to Can an electron emit a single photon without violating conservation laws?

1. What is light emission?

Light emission is the process by which energy is released in the form of electromagnetic waves, or photons. This energy is emitted by atoms, molecules, or other particles as they transition from higher energy states to lower energy states.

2. How does light emission occur?

Light emission occurs when electrons in an atom or molecule absorb energy, typically from heat or electricity, causing them to jump to a higher energy level. As the electrons return to their original energy level, they release the excess energy in the form of light.

3. What are the different types of light emission?

There are three main types of light emission: incandescence, luminescence, and discharge. Incandescence occurs when an object is heated to a high temperature and emits visible light. Luminescence occurs when an object absorbs energy and releases it as light without being heated. Discharge occurs when electricity is passed through a gas, causing it to emit light.

4. What is the difference between fluorescence and phosphorescence?

Fluorescence and phosphorescence are both types of luminescence where energy is absorbed and then released as light. The main difference between the two is the length of time the light is emitted. Fluorescence is immediate and short-lived, while phosphorescence has a delay in emission and can last for a longer period of time.

5. How is light emission used in everyday life?

Light emission has many practical applications in everyday life. It is used in lighting, such as incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes. It is also used in telecommunications, such as fiber optics, and in electronic displays, such as LED screens. Additionally, light emission is used in medical imaging technologies, such as X-rays and MRI scans, and in various industrial processes, such as welding and laser cutting.

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