Can a wave of light activate a force on a physical object?

[ddddd28]

Hello,
A professor once told me that light can really do it. Is anyone knows about the phenomenon , and can explain me about it?

 

[anorlunda]

Not activate a force, but exert a force. Yes, light has momentum even if it has no invariant mass.

Google "solar sails" for a fanciful application.

Or read https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermonuclear_weapon#Radiation_pressure for an existing down-to-earth application.