Back

Larmor radiation pattern (non-relativistic)

What you are seeing: an electron oscillating along the vertical axis radiates with the classic sin2θ\sin^2\theta "donut" pattern: nothing along the acceleration axis, maximum perpendicular to it. The total power Ptot=q2a2/(6πε0c3)P_{tot} = q^2 a^2 / (6\pi\varepsilon_0 c^3).

Figure 1. Time-averaged radiation pattern of an oscillating charge.
amplitude (rel)1.0
frequency (Hz)1e3
view

WHAT TO TRY

  • Vary each control and watch the rail readouts respond.
  • Compare the diagnostic plot against the live scene.