Conservation of momentum and laser powered solar sail

Thread starter nemesiswes
Start date May 11, 2012
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Conservation Conservation of momentum Laser Momentum Solar Solar sail

In summary, the show "Alien Encounters" showed a ship that was propelled by firing a laser at it's solar sail. From what the show explained, it would appear that the ship would not move if the light was reflected from the sail. However, if the light was absorbed at the sail, the ship would have a translation opposite the direction of the beam.

May 15, 2012

nemesiswes

Yeah I figured that it would be more efficient to just fire the laser out the back then use mirrors or some absorbing material. But I just wanted to know if it was possible theoretically, not if it was useful or not and apparently it is possible, just not very useful, lol.

<h2>1. What is conservation of momentum?</h2><p>Conservation of momentum is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant. In other words, the total momentum before an event or interaction is equal to the total momentum after the event or interaction.</p><h2>2. How does conservation of momentum apply to laser powered solar sails?</h2><p>In laser powered solar sails, the momentum of photons from a laser beam is transferred to the sail, propelling it forward. This follows the principle of conservation of momentum, as the total momentum of the system (laser beam + sail) remains constant.</p><h2>3. What is a solar sail?</h2><p>A solar sail is a spacecraft propulsion technology that uses the pressure of sunlight to propel a large, lightweight sail. It is a form of spacecraft propulsion that does not require any onboard propellant.</p><h2>4. How does a laser power a solar sail?</h2><p>A laser beam is directed at the solar sail, providing a constant stream of photons that transfer their momentum to the sail. This momentum propels the sail forward, allowing it to travel through space.</p><h2>5. What are the potential benefits of using laser powered solar sails for space travel?</h2><p>Using laser powered solar sails for space travel eliminates the need for onboard propellant, making spacecrafts lighter and more efficient. It also allows for continuous acceleration, potentially reaching high speeds and traveling long distances in space. Additionally, solar sails are powered by renewable energy from the sun, making them a sustainable form of space travel.</p>

1. What is conservation of momentum?

Conservation of momentum is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant. In other words, the total momentum before an event or interaction is equal to the total momentum after the event or interaction.

2. How does conservation of momentum apply to laser powered solar sails?

In laser powered solar sails, the momentum of photons from a laser beam is transferred to the sail, propelling it forward. This follows the principle of conservation of momentum, as the total momentum of the system (laser beam + sail) remains constant.

3. What is a solar sail?

A solar sail is a spacecraft propulsion technology that uses the pressure of sunlight to propel a large, lightweight sail. It is a form of spacecraft propulsion that does not require any onboard propellant.

4. How does a laser power a solar sail?

A laser beam is directed at the solar sail, providing a constant stream of photons that transfer their momentum to the sail. This momentum propels the sail forward, allowing it to travel through space.

5. What are the potential benefits of using laser powered solar sails for space travel?

Using laser powered solar sails for space travel eliminates the need for onboard propellant, making spacecrafts lighter and more efficient. It also allows for continuous acceleration, potentially reaching high speeds and traveling long distances in space. Additionally, solar sails are powered by renewable energy from the sun, making them a sustainable form of space travel.