2006-09-04 00:14:33 · 4 answers · asked by ishan k 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
The light which is reflected from the object does indeed travel at the same speed (C). But not all of the light is reflected.
The momentum is caused by the particles of light (photons) which are absorbed by the object. This is what causes a Crookes' radiometer to spin.
2006-09-04 00:45:30 · answer #1 · answered by Richard 7 · 72⤊ 1⤋
If the reflector is moving away from the initial direction of the light, the light will be red-shifted. Otherwise it will be blue-shifted. The momentum per photon depends on the energy which again depends on the color(frequency) according to Plank's equation, E=hf. This shift is enough to make your equation right.
2006-09-04 01:22:23 · answer #2 · answered by helene_thygesen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because E = m c^2
therefor the momentum loss is counted for in the mass drop
the overall energy does decrease according to the above formula
dumb question!!
2006-09-04 00:17:56 · answer #3 · answered by bel282 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Light is massless.
2006-09-04 00:16:59 · answer #4 · answered by jmp_omaha 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋