if Monochromatic rays of some intensity fall on a metal plate placed on a rough horizontal surface at certain angle. Will the plate move if the plate is perfectly reflecting irrespective of the value of intensity??
Asked
Active
Viewed 89 times
1 Answers
1
Let's say the plate is in the x-y plane, and the incident rays are in the x-z plane. If the plate is perfectly reflecting, all the incident light will maintain its x-momentum after reflection. The z-component of the momentum is reversed, so the plate experiences a downward force due to the light. But no force in the x or y directions. The plate will not move.
Ben51
- 10,037