Momentum Transfer: Does Light Mass Gain Momentum?

In summary, the conversation discusses an arrangement involving a blue ball, two racks, and two masses (M1 and M2). If momentum is gained from the side of M2, it will also be imparted to M1. The scenario involves a body attached to the arrangement and its motion being stopped by colliding with M1. The question is raised whether the body will gain momentum, and it is assumed to be heavier than M1 and M2 combined. The conversation also discusses the possibility of the body being rigidly attached to the arrangement, and the consensus is that it will move in that case.
  • #1
dE_logics
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http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/476/explainimageiy6.jpg [Broken]

The blue ball is a gear actually, with 2 racks on both its side which are attached to 2 masses each (M1 = M2).

If momentum is made to gain in the arrangement from the side M2...it will also impart momentum to M1.

Suppose all this happens in a body to which the whole arrangement is attached.

And this motion is stopped by colliding M1 to this body itself.

Will this body gain momentum (if its light)?
 
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  • #2
Assume the body to be heavier than M1+M2
 
  • #3
Is this forum active?
 
  • #4
as long as the body is not rigidly attached to the system given in the picture, it will move.
 
  • #5
Same opinion with me...actually that can't happen cause momentum has been imparted...M1 and M2 cannot be rigidly attached.

So motion has to be transferred.

Thanks for confirming.
 

1. What is momentum transfer?

Momentum transfer is the transfer of momentum from one object to another. When two objects collide or interact, momentum can be transferred from one object to the other, resulting in changes in their velocities.

2. What is light mass?

Light does not have mass in the traditional sense as it is made up of particles called photons that have no rest mass. However, light does have momentum due to its energy and motion, which is described by its wavelength and frequency.

3. Can light gain momentum?

Yes, light can gain momentum through interactions with other particles or objects. For example, when light is reflected off a surface, it transfers some of its momentum to the surface, causing it to move.

4. How does light momentum transfer affect objects?

Light momentum transfer can affect objects in different ways depending on the type of interaction. For example, when light is absorbed by an object, the object's temperature may increase due to the transfer of energy. When light reflects off a surface, it can transfer momentum and cause the surface to move.

5. Is the momentum of light conserved in a closed system?

Yes, the momentum of light is conserved in a closed system, just like any other form of momentum. This means that the total momentum of the system before and after an interaction involving light will be the same, even if the individual objects' velocities change.

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