Why does a Crookes radiometer turn?

Context: Undergrad
Thread starter cragar
Start date Nov 10, 2011

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cragar

Thread starter
Nov 10, 2011

Does it start turning because when the photon hits the little flag it transfers its momentum?
And because one side will absorb and one side reflects, the momentum transfer will be different so it will turn.

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Bobbywhy

Gold Member

Nov 10, 2011

A good explanation of how a Crookes Radiometer works is found at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crookes_radiometer

Why does a Crookes radiometer turn?

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Why does a Crookes radiometer turn?

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