Light Propulsion: Can Photons Move Objects?

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SUMMARY

Photons, despite having no rest mass, can indeed move objects due to their energy and momentum. This phenomenon is explained by classical electrodynamics, where electromagnetic radiation carries momentum as described by the Poynting vector. Intense laser beams, such as those using blue light, can exert force on lightweight materials, demonstrating the practical application of photon momentum in real-world scenarios. The interaction of photons with materials involves processes like absorption, transmission, reflection, and scattering, all contributing to the transfer of energy and momentum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of photon properties and behavior
  • Familiarity with classical electrodynamics
  • Knowledge of the Poynting vector and its implications
  • Basic principles of energy and momentum transfer
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Poynting vector and its applications in electromagnetic theory
  • Explore the principles of laser propulsion and its potential uses
  • Study the effects of photon momentum on various materials
  • Investigate the relationship between energy, momentum, and mass in relativistic physics
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Physicists, engineers, and researchers interested in photonics, laser technology, and the fundamental principles of momentum transfer in electromagnetic fields.

madmike159
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I saw a program along time ago where a very light piece of material was caused to move using a laser beam. I know that there would of been a lot of energy because it was a vary intense beam of blue light, but photons have no mass so how do they move anything. If photons can move objects with mass could the have a slight effect on every day actions?
 
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Photons have energy as well as momentum. When they fall on objects, they undergo absorption, transmission, reflection, scattering etc. These processes involve transfer of energy as well as momentum. Photons do not have rest mass. One can interpret their energy as a measure of their relativistic mass( according to Einstein's theory)
 
madmike159 said:
I saw a program along time ago where a very light piece of material was caused to move using a laser beam. I know that there would of been a lot of energy because it was a vary intense beam of blue light, but photons have no mass so how do they move anything. If photons can move objects with mass could the have a slight effect on every day actions?
You don't even need to think about photons, since the effect is totally explained by classical electrodynamics: electromagnetic radiation carries momentum, as given from Poynting vector EXH.
 

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