Does a white shirt weight more

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on whether a white shirt weighs more than a dark shirt of the same material when exposed to sunlight. Participants argue that white shirts reflect light, potentially experiencing a change in momentum that could affect weight. Conversely, dark shirts absorb more light and heat energy, which may contribute to a greater effective mass. The conclusion remains inconclusive, with both perspectives highlighting the complexities of energy absorption and weight perception.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as momentum and energy absorption
  • Familiarity with the principles of light reflection and absorption
  • Knowledge of thermodynamics related to heat energy and mass
  • Basic grasp of gravitational effects on mass
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of light reflection and absorption in materials
  • Explore the relationship between energy and mass in thermodynamics
  • Learn about the effects of temperature on material properties
  • Investigate the concept of effective mass in physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, material scientists, and anyone interested in the effects of light and heat on physical properties of materials.

ahuberpsu
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Does a white shirt weight more than a dark shirt of the same material when exposed to sunlight?

I think that photos exert a pressure on the material, and since white shirts reflect some light it would experience twice the change in momentum compared to a completely dark shirt. Then the shirt would weight more?
 
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well, on the other hand, dark shirts absorb more, so have more energy, thus more effective mass, so should weight more.

I have no idea, really :smile:
 
A dark shirt will have additional [heat] energy and so will 'weigh' more. Such a change is analogous to a coiled spring having more energy and hence a greater gavitational attraction than an uncoiled spring.
 

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