Solved: A laser beam is used to levitate a metal disk | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for College Physics

Chapter 21 Problem 56

Question

A laser beam is used to levitate a metal disk against the force of Earths gravity. (a) Derive an equation giving the required intensity of light, I, in terms of the mass m of the disk, the gravitational acceleration g, the speed of light c, and the cross-sectional area of the disk A. Assume the disk is perfectly reflecting and the beam is directed perpendicular to the disk. (b) If the disk has mass 5.00 g and radius 4.00 cm, find the necessary light intensity. (c) Give two reasons why using light pressure as propulsion near Earths surface is impractical.

Solution

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The first step in solving 21 problem number trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: A laser beam is used to levitate a metal disk against the force of Earths gravity. (a) Derive an equation giving the required intensity of light, I, in terms of the mass m of the disk, the gravitational acceleration g, the speed of light c, and the cross-sectional area of the disk A. Assume the disk is perfectly reflecting and the beam is directed perpendicular to the disk. (b) If the disk has mass 5.00 g and radius 4.00 cm, find the necessary light intensity. (c) Give two reasons why using light pressure as propulsion near Earths surface is impractical.
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full solution

Title College Physics 9 
Author Serway Vuille
ISBN 9780840062062

Solved: A laser beam is used to levitate a metal disk

Chapter 21 textbook questions

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