For one particle at a fixed Lorentz factor, the Liénard radiated-power formula gives and , where . Consequently equal coordinate acceleration magnitudes make transverse motion radiate less by . Equal applied laboratory force magnitudes instead give and , so . These opposite orderings concern distinct constraints and are consistent. An energy budget without a time, length, force, or acceleration constraint cannot by itself select a unique minimum-loss accelerator design.
Liénard radiated-power formula Created 2026-10-14 Updated 2026-10-18
The relativistic generalization of the Larmor formula uses the invariant proper-acceleration magnitude: in signature . In coordinate time this is the displayed expression. For perpendicular magnetic circular motion, , giving . The statement concerns total instantaneous emitted power; directional radiation flux is not itself invariant.
Past exam of the symmetry and relativity course of the University of Oxford 2022 4 c Solution 2026-10-25
Metric-sign qualification. With this paper's metric signature, b givesThe minus sign in the printed Larmor formula would therefore make a positive radiative loss negative. A concrete counterexample is an instant of rest with nonzero acceleration: , so the printed expression is . That sign is appropriate for the opposite metric signature. With the convention already fixed in question 1, positive emitted power instead isAlternatively the printed negative quantity can be interpreted as the particle's signed radiative energy change, rather than the positive loss magnitude.
For fixed rest mass, resolve the acceleration parallel and perpendicular to the velocity, as in b. This givesWriting , the Liénard radiated-power formula becomes . For uniform circular motion, the acceleration is perpendicular to the velocity; for straight-line motion it is parallel. Comparing the same particle at equal relativistic energy and equal laboratory acceleration magnitude therefore givesThis particular comparison makes the linear loss larger. The familiar larger loss from bending applies to a different comparison: at equal applied laboratory force magnitude , and , giving and . Stating which quantity is held fixed is essential.