Understanding the Momentum of Light in Space

[azabak]

A stationary object is floating on space and then it starts sending a continuous beam of photons. It seems correct to assert that the object accelerates since photons have momentum. In the initial condition the center of mass is at rest and thus it should remain at rest since photons have no mass. But it also accelerates because photons have momentum.
What happens in this situation?

 

[NascentOxygen]

Look below your posting, at a link in physics news on PhysOrg.com

http://phys.org/news252920763.html

 

[sambristol]

azabak,

the photons have energy so they have momentum. Everything works out. I can't resist attaching a file which gives a simple proof of E=mc² without using calculus or even having to solve a quadratic equation. I attach it because it uses an argument so close to the one you state.

Hope this helps

Regards

Sam

 

[TEjedi]

Lorentz transformation is what I think your looking for.

 

[sardar]

In this situation, the object will experience a net force due to the momentum of the photons being emitted. This force will cause the object to accelerate in the direction opposite to the direction of the photon emission. This is known as the "radiation pressure" effect, where the momentum of photons is transferred to the object, causing it to move.

However, it is important to note that this acceleration is very small and may not be easily observable. The amount of acceleration depends on the intensity of the photon beam and the mass of the object. For a typical object in space, the acceleration would be extremely small and negligible.

Furthermore, it is also important to consider the conservation of momentum in this scenario. While the object is emitting photons in one direction, it is also absorbing photons from other directions, resulting in a balanced transfer of momentum. Therefore, the overall momentum of the system (object + photons) remains constant.

In summary, while the object may experience a small acceleration due to the momentum of photons, it will not significantly affect the overall motion of the object in space. The understanding of the momentum of light is crucial in studying the dynamics of objects in space and can help us better understand the behavior of celestial bodies.