If a photon hits a 'perfect' mirror (with no environment interference) would the mirror move a bit?
Asked
Active
Viewed 531 times
2 Answers
13
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.
Qianyi Guo
- 933
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
Martin Beckett
- 31,032