How do photons cause matter to move?

In summary, light causes matter to move by interacting with atoms and causing electrons to absorb and emit photons. The force from the electric field of the light wave determines the direction of the interaction and the energy of the photon determines the amount of energy transferred. As for increasing temperature or speeding up gas particles, this is due to the force from the electric field causing interactions between the light and the particles.
  • #1
Eash
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How does light cause matter to move? For example, when a photon collides with an atom, an electron absorbs the photon and moves to a higher energy state. If the energy is not used then the electron falls back to a lower energy state and emits radiation. I am unsure of how the photon in the above example causes the motion of an atom. A more specific question is how does sunlight increase temperature, or speed up the motion of the gas particles in the atmosphere.
 
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  • #2
Light is an EM wave whose fields have what's called vectors. This means that an electric charge that the wave passes over will feel a force from the electric field of the EM wave in a particular direction. It is this force that causes an interaction. Each individual interaction takes a specific amount of energy based on the frequency of the wave. We call these "photons".
 

1. What is the relationship between light and matter?

Light and matter are closely linked and interact with each other in various ways. Matter can absorb, reflect, transmit, or emit light depending on its properties and the properties of the light.

2. How do different types of matter interact with light?

The interaction between light and matter depends on the properties of both. For example, opaque objects absorb most of the light that falls on them, while transparent objects allow light to pass through. Reflective objects bounce light off their surface, and fluorescent materials absorb light and re-emit it at a longer wavelength.

3. What is the role of light in photosynthesis?

Light is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. The chlorophyll in plant cells absorbs light and uses its energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

4. How does light interact with different states of matter?

Light can interact with matter in solid, liquid, and gas states. The interaction depends on the properties of the material, such as density, transparency, and refractive index. For example, light travels at different speeds in different states of matter, leading to phenomena like refraction and dispersion.

5. What are some practical applications of light-matter interaction?

Light-matter interaction has countless practical applications, such as in communication technologies like fiber optics, medical imaging techniques like MRI and X-rays, and energy production through solar panels. It also plays a crucial role in everyday activities like seeing objects, cooking food, and even driving a car.

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