2 ms·
Bremsstrahlung is not the creation of virtual particles, though it does involve a virtual photon. It is rather the radiation of (real) photons by electrons whe
by eigenhombre 6y ago
Bremsstrahlung is not the creation of virtual particles, though it does involve a virtual photon. It is rather the radiation of (real) photons by electrons when they suddenly "decelerate" (i.e. collide with other charged particles). In fact the name "bremsstrahlung" means "braking radiation," if memory serves.
- codethief 6y ago> when they suddenly "decelerate" (i.e. collide with other charged particles) I think it'd be more accurate to say "interact" instead of "collide" – the electron could still be far away from the charged particle. More generally, bremsstrahlung also occurs when an electron's velocity vector (not necessarily its modulus) changes, i.e. when the electron changes direction, like in a synchroton. > In fact the name "bremsstrahlung" means "braking radiation," if memory serves. That's correct :)
- NL807 6y agoBasically the change of momentum for the electron sheds some of energy used to accelerate it.