Does radiation pressure depend on the speed of the object?

But if the light is reflected from the object, then it will be blue-shifted, and that will make it gain energy.In summary, the energy received by the surface from an object depends on the speed of the object, as the speed affects the redshift or blueshift of the light reflected from the object.
  • #1
vertyu
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Since radion pressure in proportional to energy flux and inversely proportional the speed of light, does that mean that energy received by the surface depends on the speed of the object. Since the distance of travel is proportional to speed, and force * distance = energy, the energy depends on the speed of the object. Is that correct?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Hi vertyu! Welcome to PF! :smile:
vertyu said:
Since radion pressure in proportional to energy flux and inversely proportional the speed of light, does that mean that energy received by the surface depends on the speed of the object. Since the distance of travel is proportional to speed, and force * distance = energy, the energy depends on the speed of the object. Is that correct?

Sort-of.

Yes, the energy does depend on the speed of the object, but not in quite the way you've written it …

light always moves at the same speed, but if the object moves away from the light, it'll be red-shifted, and that will make it lose energy! :smile:

(Similarly, if you're moving away from a hot star, the star will be redder and less hot.)
 
  • #3


Yes, your understanding is correct. Radiation pressure is the physical force exerted by electromagnetic radiation on a surface. It is directly proportional to the energy flux or intensity of the radiation and inversely proportional to the speed of light. This means that the faster an object is moving, the greater the energy flux and therefore the greater the radiation pressure. Additionally, the distance traveled by the radiation is also proportional to the speed of the object, and as you mentioned, force * distance = energy. Therefore, the energy received by the surface does depend on the speed of the object.
 

1. What is radiation pressure?

Radiation pressure is the force exerted by electromagnetic radiation on an object. It is caused by the transfer of momentum from photons, the particles of light, to the surface of the object.

2. How does radiation pressure affect objects?

Radiation pressure can cause objects to move or accelerate in the direction of the radiation. It can also apply a force on the surface of an object, which can lead to changes in its shape or structure.

3. What are the sources of radiation pressure?

The most common sources of radiation pressure are sunlight, starlight, and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. However, it can also be caused by other types of radiation, such as cosmic rays or radio waves.

4. How is radiation pressure measured?

Radiation pressure is typically measured in units of force per unit area, such as newtons per square meter. It can also be measured in units of energy, such as joules per second.

5. What are the applications of radiation pressure?

Radiation pressure has many practical applications, including in space propulsion systems, solar sails, and radiation pressure sensors. It also plays a crucial role in the formation and behavior of celestial bodies, such as stars and planets.

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