Can Man-Made EM Waves Cause Vibrations in Powders?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether man-made electromagnetic (EM) waves can induce physical vibrations in powders, such as sand or talc. Participants explore the potential effects of various types of EM radiation, including light and inaudible radio waves, on physical materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that man-made EM waves can produce physical vibrations due to their momentum, particularly noting that light can exert a small force on objects.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of photons, with some participants asserting that they have mass while others clarify that photons are massless but possess momentum.
  • Questions are raised regarding the effects of inaudible radio waves (ULF, ELF, LF) on physical vibrations, with participants seeking to understand if these frequencies can also cause vibrations in materials.
  • One participant mentions that EM radiation can heat substances, which may be considered a form of vibration, and emphasizes that the force exerted by EM waves is generally very small.
  • It is noted that not all substances will absorb or reflect EM waves uniformly, which could affect the interaction with powders.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the effects of different types of EM waves, particularly regarding the mass of photons and the concept of vibrations. There is no consensus on the extent to which man-made EM waves can cause physical vibrations in powders.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes uncertainties about the definitions of "vibrations" and the specific conditions under which different materials may respond to EM waves. The interactions between EM radiation and various substances are not fully resolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring the effects of electromagnetic radiation on materials, particularly in fields related to physics, engineering, and materials science.

rockhouse
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Can man-made EM waves produce physical vibrations of objects? Can man-made EM waves vibrate powders like sand or talc?
I'm trying to understand if any types of electronic frequencies can cause physical vibrations...thanks.
 
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rockhouse said:
Can man-made EM waves produce physical vibrations of objects? Can man-made EM waves vibrate powders like sand or talc?
I'm trying to understand if any types of electronic frequencies can cause physical vibrations...thanks.

Light and other em waves carry a (small) momentum, so they 'push' on things very slightly but you need a lot of light.
 
Hmmm, makes sense since light has mass...
What about inaudible radio waves such as ULF, ELF, LF? Can they cause physical vibrations?
Thanks.
 
rockhouse said:
Hmmm, makes sense since light has mass...
What about inaudible radio waves such as ULF, ELF, LF? Can they cause physical vibrations?
Thanks.

Photons don't have rest mass but they do have momentum. Any frequency em radiation is the same basic phenomenon as light.
 
rockhouse said:
Hmmm, makes sense since light has mass...
What about inaudible radio waves such as ULF, ELF, LF? Can they cause physical vibrations?
Thanks.

* Light (and other EM radiation) actually is mostly likely massless (or at least absolutely-ridiculously small).

* 'Vibrations' is vague. EM radiation can heat substances and 'push' substances. Heat is a form of 'vibration' if you will. (EM radiation can also obviously do other stuff too)

* Inaudible radio waves? I wasn't aware any EM waves were 'audible'.

* Not all substances absorb / reflect all em waves.

So, for the things that do absorb / reflect ULF, ELF, LF will in return be imparted heat, or a 'push'. But I need to reiterate how small this force is... and heat is your most likely return... the material would have to be reflective to get a 'push'.
 
Ok, thanks.
 

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