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For simplicity, let's say that an electron is moving through an antenna and producing electromagnetic waves as it travels. To the extent of my knowledge, these waves are produced by the movement of the electron in the antenna's electromagnetic field (please correct me if I am wrong!). Now, let's say that you are the size of an electron and you are moving with the same velocity as the electron in the antenna. According to your reference frame, the electron is stationary, but would it still produce waves? If so, why?

Thank you in advance, and I apologize if I've overlooked an obvious answer! :)

Skyminer
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1 Answers1

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  1. yes they would

  2. the reason is, that the accelerating electron emits photons at the speed of light, to any external observer

  3. so any external observer, you too would see those photons traveling at speed c, regardless if you are accelerating or are stationary compared to the electron

  4. it is not your (the observer's) relationship to the electron that matters, it is that the electron has to accelerate compared to the antenna to start emitting photons

Árpád Szendrei
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