Calculate the total momentum of the photons

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the total momentum of photons impacting a solar sail with an area of 1.5 × 106 m2 and a spacecraft mass of 1.2 × 103 kg. The relationship between energy and momentum of photons is defined by the equation E = pc, where c is the speed of light. Given a solar radiation flux of 1400 W m-2, the total momentum of the photons striking 1 m2 of sail in one second can be derived from the intensity and area of the sail. The approach involves understanding how watts, as a measure of energy per second, relates to momentum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of photon momentum and energy relationships
  • Familiarity with the concept of radiation pressure
  • Basic knowledge of solar radiation flux
  • Proficiency in unit conversions involving watts and joules
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate photon momentum using the equation p = E/c
  • Explore the concept of radiation pressure on solar sails
  • Investigate the implications of solar radiation flux on spacecraft propulsion
  • Learn about the physics of momentum conservation in space environments
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Students in physics, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of solar propulsion and photon momentum calculations.

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Homework Statement


The solar sail uses “radiation pressure” caused by the momentum of photons of sunlight as they strike the sail. A sail with an area of 1.5 \times 10^6 m^2 could be used to propel a spacecraft of mass 1.2 \times 10^3 kg.
The energy E and momentum p of a photon are related by the expression E = pc, where c is the speed of light.
Calculate the total momentum of the photons striking 1 m^2 of sail in one second. Assume the solar radiation flux (intensity) is 1400 W m^{-2}.


Homework Equations


p=mv?


The Attempt at a Solution


Can I have hint's on how to approach this.

The momentum eqaution that I know is p=mv but I don't think I can use this. :confused:
 
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If you multiply intensity by the area of the sail the units cancel to leave watts which is Joules per a second. Then if you multiply the intensity by the area you will get 1400W considering it is 1m(squared). Since the aircraft is in space any force is going to propel it so all you have do from here is find how Watts relates to momentum and you're set. Hope this helps.
 

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