7

If a photon hits a 'perfect' mirror (with no environment interference) would the mirror move a bit?

2 Answers2

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Yes. Actually photons exert pressure on any surfaces exposed to them. For example, photons emitted by the Sun exert pressure of $9.08 \mu N/m^2$ on the Earth.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_pressure

8

Yes - you can even propel spaceships with it - Solar Sail

Although Solar radiation pressure at the Earth is around 9E-6N/m2 while the thrust from a Saturn V rocket is 34 MN, so you would need a solar sail something like 2000Km on a side to get the same acceleration