Radiation from an accelerated charge
According to Camila de Almeida and Alberto Saa at http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/physics/pdf/0506/0506049v5.pdf, it still seems to be an unresolved question as to whether the Einstein equivalence principle is satisfied in the comparison between a charge supported in a uniform gravitational field and a charge fixed in a uniformly accelerated reference frame. By the Einstein equivalence principle is here meant the one expressed in the Einstein lift argument, that is to say the general equivalence for all physical processes of inertia and gravity, not merely the equality of gravitational and inertial masses known to Galileo and Newton, and experimentally verified by such experiments as those of Eötvös at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lor%C3%A1nd_E%C3%B6tv%C3%B6s. It is also not clear whether such equivalence is only local and generally violated globally and therefore not a principle of physics, or whether it is generally global and therefore a principle of physics.
Till now I have failed to find empirical evidence directly bearing on this question for a charge supported in a gravitational field and a charge fixed in a uniformly accelerated reference frame. Can you advise me? Of course I would also be very interested in advice about the theoretical analysis of the matter.
Christopher
If our reporting has informed or inspired you, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, empowers us to continue delivering accurate, engaging, and trustworthy science and medical news. Independent journalism requires time, effort, and resources—your support ensures we can keep uncovering the stories that matter most to you.
Join us in making knowledge accessible and impactful. Thank you for standing with us!