Academic Integrity: tutoring, explanations, and feedback — we don’t complete graded work or submit on a student’s behalf.

If sunlight can be conceived of as a beam of photons, each of which carries a ce

ID: 1505121 • Letter: I

Question

If sunlight can be conceived of as a beam of photons, each of which carries a certain amount of energy and momentum, why don't we experience (or feel) any recoil as these particles collide with our bodies when, say, we're at the beach on a sunny day?

A.Since photons collide with our bodies at such a high frequency we can't feel the individual photons.

B.The photons undergo destructive interference and cancel each other out before they can collide with our bodies.

C.Our bodies are simply too massive to be noticeably affected by the tiny amount of momentum the photons deliver.

D.Because the photons are colliding with our bodies at all angles, the forces cancel out and the net effect is zero.

Explanation / Answer

Option C) is correct

Reason: The forces generated by radiation pressure are generally too small to be detected under everyday circumstances.

Hire Me For All Your Tutoring Needs
Integrity-first tutoring: clear explanations, guidance, and feedback.
Drop an Email at
drjack9650@gmail.com
Chat Now And Get Quote