Question about cherenkov radiation

In summary, the conversation discusses the conditions under which cherenkov radiation may be emitted by two charged slabs moving at relativistic speeds. It is determined that the medium's speed and the velocity of the charge relative to the medium are the determining factors. The presence of an electric field and the movement of the slabs in free space do not necessarily result in cherenkov radiation.
  • #1
cragar
2,552
3
If I had 2 charged slabs that were moving together at relativistic speeds would both slabs
emit cherenkov radiation. In each of the rest frames of the slabs the other slab is approaching it at a speed that is faster than the group velocity of light in its material.
 
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  • #2
Only if each one is moving faster than c/n in the medium. The medium's speed matters in this case.
 
  • #3
okay I am not saying anything travels faster than c.
Cerenkov radiation occurs when an E field is being forced through a material
faster than light in that material. so we are talking about speed lass than c.
Does Cherenkov radiation happen in both dielectric slabs or just one.
I was typing this up the same time vandium posted.
 
  • #4
What are both slabs moving through? If they are moving through a medium at a velocity higher than c/n (the speed of light divided by the refractive index of the medium), then they would emit cherenkov radiation.

And what do you mean when you say that an E field is being forced through a material. Electric fields have no "speed", they simply exist. Changes in the field propagate at c however.
 
  • #5
the slabs are moving through free space but they are moving by each other and their E fields exist in each others slab. I know its c/n but we are dealing with relative speed here.
in slab A's frame its at rest and slab B is moving towards it and vice versa for the other slab. So is their Cerenkov radiation in one slab or both? I know E fields don't travel, but in a sense the slab is outrunning its E field that is being setup in the other slab.
kind of like retarded potentials
 
  • #6
The only thing that matters is the charge's velocity relative to the medium. Any slab moving faster than c/n will radiate.
 
  • #7
Vanadium 50 said:
The only thing that matters is the charge's velocity relative to the medium. Any slab moving faster than c/n will radiate.

The slabs are not in a medium, he's talking about the electric field from each slab somehow causing radiation to be emitted as they pass by each other.
 
  • #8
If there's no medium, there is no Cerenkov radiation, since the definition of Cerenkov radiation is the radiation produced by a charged particle moving faster than light in that medium.
 

Related to Question about cherenkov radiation

1)

What is cherenkov radiation?

Cherenkov radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted when a charged particle, such as an electron, moves faster than the speed of light in a given medium, such as water or air.

2)

What causes cherenkov radiation to occur?

Cherenkov radiation is caused by the interaction between a charged particle and the atoms of a medium. As the particle moves faster than the speed of light in the medium, it creates a shockwave of electromagnetic radiation, which is observed as cherenkov radiation.

3)

What is the significance of cherenkov radiation in scientific research?

Cherenkov radiation is used in several scientific fields, including nuclear physics, particle acceleration, and medical imaging. It provides valuable information about the properties and behavior of high-energy particles, and can also be used to detect and track these particles.

4)

How is cherenkov radiation different from other types of electromagnetic radiation?

Unlike other types of electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light or radio waves, cherenkov radiation is not produced by the excitation of atoms or molecules. Instead, it is created by the movement of charged particles through a medium.

5)

Is cherenkov radiation harmful to humans?

Cherenkov radiation itself is not harmful to humans, as it is a type of non-ionizing radiation. However, the high-energy particles that produce cherenkov radiation can be dangerous if not properly shielded or handled. Therefore, precautions must be taken when working with cherenkov radiation in scientific research.

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