Question: In Chapter 23 (Example 23.3), we discussed the use of a solar sail to propel a spacecraft. Such a sail would either absorb or reflect
In Chapter 23 (Example 23.3), we discussed the use of a solar sail to propel a spacecraft. Such a sail would either absorb or reflect light from the Sun, using the resulting impulse to produce a force on the spacecraft. Consider a red laser that emits photons with a wavelength of 620 nm.
(a) If this laser has a power of 30 W, how many photons does it emit in 1.0 s?
(b) If the light emitted by the laser is absorbed by a black sail, what is the force on the sail?
(c) If the light from this laser is reflected from a mirror, what is the force on the mirror?
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The momentum of a photon emitted by the laser can be calculated from the wavelength The force exerte... View full answer
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