Is the Momentum of EM Radiation Influencing Electron Behavior?

[k9b4]

Is the momentum of EM radiation due to the EM radiation applying a force on the electrons?

 

[Bandersnatch]

You're probably thinking of something like this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton_scattering

 

[k9b4]

You're probably thinking of something like this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton_scattering

I don't think that's what I'm thinking of.

I mean:
Light is said to possesses momentum. That means it can push things around right? So I'm asking is the reason light can push stuff around because EM wave pushes electrons?

 

[Nugatory]

I mean:
Light is said to possesses momentum. That means it can push things around right? So I'm asking is the reason light can push stuff around because EM wave pushes electrons?

Yes, that is the basic mechanism by which light (which is electromagnetic radiation) transfers energy and momentum to objects.

But do note the word "basic" - entire books can be and have been written on the interaction of light and matter.

 

[k9b4]

Yes, that is the basic mechanism by which light (which is electromagnetic radiation) transfers energy and momentum to objects.

But do note the word "basic" - entire books can be and have been written on the interaction of light and matter.

Thanks, basic mechanism is all I wanted.

 

[k9b4]

Yes, that is the basic mechanism by which light (which is electromagnetic radiation) transfers energy and momentum to objects.

But do note the word "basic" - entire books can be and have been written on the interaction of light and matter.

But hold on, how does EM radiation push objects forward (such as in solar sails)? Isn't the force in EM radiation oscillating perpendicular to the direction of travel?

 

[Nugatory]

But hold on, how does EM radiation push objects forward (such as in solar sails)? Isn't the force in EM radiation oscillating perpendicular to the direction of travel?

An electromagnetic wave has both an electrical and a magnetic component. Both fields are perpendicular to the direction of travel. However, the force exerted by these fields is not in general parallel to the field direction. (google for "Lorentz force").

 

[sophiecentaur]

Wikipedia will give you an introduction into how an EM wave can produce pressure on an object. It is heartening that the Photon explanation (change of Momentum) gives precisely the same answer but from an entirely different direction.

 

[dpa2007]

Did you see that?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_pressure