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We know that photons (light) are massless but they have momentum. Now suppose I am in the space far away from planets/stars that there is no external force exerts on me, if:

1- I turn on a flashlight (torch), would I be pushed in the opposite direction which the flashlight is facing (Newton's third law)?

2- If a star is shedding light on me (its photons hit my body), would I start moving due the impact of the photos?

Ebi
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1 Answers1

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Yes in both cases. In fact there is no need to invoke the concept of photons; electromagnetic radiation consistent with Maxwell's equations carries momentum.

You might care to search online for articles on photon propulsion and solar sails.

Philip Wood
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