Snippets of Physics: 17. Why does an accelerate charge radiate?

Abstract

The fact that an accelerated charge radiates energy is considered an elementary textbook result in electromagnetism. Nevertheless, this process of radiation (and its reaction on the charged particle) raises several conundrums about which technical papers are written even today. In this installment, we will try to understand why an accelerated charge radiates in a simple, yet rigorous, manner.