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Chapter 4: Q11DQ (page 1072)

If a light beam carries momentum, should a person holding a flashlight feel a recoil analogous to the recoil of a rifle when it is fired? Why is this recoil not actually observed?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Yes there is a recoil effect on the person but it is not observed as light carries a very small momentum.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of momentum conservation.

In the absence of external forces, a system's momentum is constant.

02

Deriving logical conclusion.

Since light is a particle, therefore it carries a momentum but this momentum is very small, therefore the person holding a flash light even though will experience a recoil but it will be of a very small quantity and hence it is not observed.

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