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Q & A: sailing on light

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Q:
This is probably a very stupid question: If it is true that light has momentum, then couldnt we "sail on light" such as we do with wind?
- Raul Rodrigeuz (age 15)
NY, NY, USA
A:
Sure, this effect has even found a little application in space:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_sail

Mike W.

(published on 11/14/2010)

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