On the radiation mechanism of a uniformly moving charge

The radiation mechanism of a uniformly moving charge is discussed in detail with attention to the description of the Vavilov-Cherenkov and transition radiation effects. A well-grounded proof is given that this mechanism is incorrect because it is in conflict with the energy and momentum conservation laws and Newton's first law. A lucid explanation of the mechanism for the Vavilov-Cherenkov radiation and the transition radiation is suggested by considering the atomic structure of solids, which does not require violation of fundamental laws. It is shown that the Vavilov-Cherenkov radiation and the transition radiation are emitted by the atoms of the medium that are polarized by the moving particle, rather than by the particle itself moving through a medium. It is obvious that in this case neither the anomalous nor the normal Doppler effect is possible in the process of the Vavilov-Cherenkov radiation emission. It is shown that the Vavilov-Cherenkov radiation and the transition radiation cannot be emitted at frequencies higher than the inner shell frequency of the atom of the medium. Mistakes caused by using the radiation mechanism of a uniformly moving charge for describing the interaction of a moving charge with a solid are discussed.