Radiation pressure calculation (verification)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of radiation pressure resulting from 1 kilogram of matter converted into radiation within a 1 cubic meter volume. It clarifies that the pressure is calculated using the formula (pc^2)/3, where p represents the equivalent mass density. This conclusion aligns with the principles outlined in the Wikipedia article on photon gas. The pressure is definitively established as 3 X 10^16, confirming the correct application of the formula for perfectly reflecting walls.

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  • Understanding of radiation pressure concepts
  • Familiarity with the equation of state for photon gases
  • Knowledge of mass-energy equivalence (E=mc^2)
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics
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Bernie G
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If 1 kilogram of matter is converted into radiation and contained in 1 cubic meter, and the radiation reflects perfectly off the walls, is the pressure 9 X 10^16 or 3 X 10^16? Ie.- Is the pressure pc^2 or (pc^2)/3 (where p is the equivalent mass density) as given in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photon_gas ?
 
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Or is the pressure (2pc^2)/3 ?
 

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