A photon is reflected from a mirror. True or False: (a) Because a photon has zero mass, it does not exert a force on the mirror. (b) Although the photon has energy, it can’t transfer any energy to the surface because it has zero mass. (c) The photon carries momentum, and when it reflects off the mirror, it undergoes a change in momentum and exerts a force on the mirror. (d) Although the photon carries momentum, its change in momentum is zero when it reflects from the mirror, so it can’t exert a force on the mirror.

Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
5th Edition
ISBN:9781133104261
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Chapter28: Quantum Physics
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Problem 18P
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A photon is reflected from a mirror. True or False: (a) Because a photon has zero mass, it does not exert a force on the mirror. (b) Although the photon has energy, it can’t transfer any energy to the surface because it has zero mass. (c) The photon carries momentum, and when it reflects off the mirror, it undergoes a change in momentum and exerts a force on the mirror. (d) Although the photon carries momentum, its change in momentum is zero when it reflects from the mirror, so it can’t exert a force on the mirror.

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