- #1
Matt Callicott
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Homework Statement
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A box is traveling with a certain velocity in space. Inside the box is a light bulb, which is capable of releasing one photon of light. The light bulb harnesses the energy from the box; it does not require an outside power source but instead uses the energy on the system.
If the box is traveling with a velocity ν1 and then releases one photon of light (but does not change the total energy of the system since the light stays within the box) does the velocity of the box change?
* This is not a homework question but rather just individual thought. Thank you for any help!
Homework Equations
E = ½ Mv2[/B]
Ephoton ≠ 0
The Attempt at a Solution
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Before the release of a photon: ETotal = ½M(v1)2
After the release of a photon: ETotal = ½M(v2)2 + Ephoton
Since Ephoton ≠ 0 and since ETotal is conserved, v2 < v1.
Thank you again!
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