Electrons do emit electromagnetic waves under certain conditions. When an electron undergoes acceleration or deceleration, it can emit electromagnetic radiation in the form of photons. This process is known as "bremsstrahlung" or "braking radiation." However, in stable orbits around an atomic nucleus or when in equilibrium, electrons do not emit electromagnetic waves.
According to classical electromagnetism, an accelerated charged particle radiates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. However, in the context of atomic physics, the motion of electrons within atoms is governed by quantum mechanics, which introduces certain constraints and energy quantization.
Electrons in stable orbits around an atomic nucleus are considered to be in discrete energy levels or shells. These energy levels correspond to specific quantized energy values, and electrons occupy the lowest available energy levels. In these stable states, electrons do not undergo continuous acceleration or deceleration, and therefore they do not emit electromagnetic waves.
However, when an electron transitions between energy levels, such as during an electronic excitation or de-excitation process, it can emit or absorb photons. This emission or absorption of photons is responsible for phenomena such as the emission spectrum of elements and the absorption of light by atoms.
It's important to note that while electrons in stable orbits do not continuously emit electromagnetic waves, they can interact with electromagnetic fields. For example, when electrons are subjected to external electromagnetic radiation or when they participate in electron-electron interactions, they can absorb or scatter photons, leading to various optical and electronic phenomena.