- #1
Ed Quanta
- 297
- 0
I understand that when a point charge accelerates that it radiates energy due to the acceleration field. Larmor's formula shows the power which is radiated, and is written: P=uoq^2a^2/6(pi)c. My question is this. How can you calculate the initial kinetic energy of a point charge which is traveling at a velocity v? I understand that if the point charge is decelerating until it reaches v=0 then its kinetic energy will be less because it radiated energy away while accelerating. But I am just not sure how to numerically represent the total kinetic energy of the particle prior to decelerating. Is it just E= 1/2qv^2?