Why don't light waves move magnets?

AI Thread Summary
Light waves consist of electromagnetic waves, but they do not move magnets due to their high frequencies, which cause electrons to jump atomic levels rather than induce macroscopic movement in larger magnets. The magnetic component of light is not strong enough to exert a significant force on hand-sized magnets, which are too massive to be affected at such frequencies. While it is theoretically possible to create electromagnetic waves with greater magnitudes, practical limitations exist. In the infrared range, some molecules can respond to incoming radiation by changing their vibrational states. Overall, the oscillating electric field of light interacts with atomic dipoles in all matter, not just magnets.
DrBootenstein
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We know that light travels through the vacuum of space because it is a self perpetuating system of electronic and magnetic waves.

Since this is the case, why do we not see the magnetic wave of light move magnets, or even make a magnet vibrate?

Is it simply because the magnitude of the magnetic wave does not exert enough force to move magnets?

If so can we not create an E&M wave with a large enough magnitude to move magnets?
OR can we create a magnet small enough to be moved by a magnetic wave?

Any insight into this topic would be helpful

Thanks
 
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DrBootenstein said:
Since this is the case, why do we not see the magnetic wave of light move magnets, or even make a magnet vibrate?

Hand-sized magnets are much too massive to move macroscopically as such frequencies.

DrBootenstein said:
can we create a magnet small enough to be moved by a magnetic wave?

Light waves have such high frequencies that the atoms don't vibrate to it, their electrons will jump atomic levels instead.

In the IR range, you can have molecules that will change their vibrational state to incoming radiation.

Generally speaking, you should probably consider the oscillating electric field first, which interacts with any atomic dipoles (i.e. all matter, not just magnets).
 
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