Can we consider light as a force ?

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Light can exert pressure and has momentum, allowing it to move objects, such as in the concept of a laser-driven sailship. The discussion highlights that light can indeed be considered to have force due to its ability to influence material bodies. The idea of "heavy light" is humorously questioned, but the underlying physics supports the notion of light acting on mass. Therefore, light can be classified as a force in terms of its interaction with physical objects. This understanding is crucial in applications like propulsion and energy transfer.
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Can we consider light as a force ?

can a very heavy light move a 0.00002 gram mass ?
 
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LasTSurvivoR said:
Can we consider light as a force ?

can a very heavy light move a 0.00002 gram mass ?
:confused: a heavy light...? :biggrin:

If you've ever seen the concept of a laser-driven sailship, then you must realize that light has pressure, and in that sense it can move a mass.
 
Light has momentum and momentum flux density,so definitely can act on material bodies with a force...

Daniel.
 
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