How is the presence of light pressure explained on the basis of the electromagnetic wave theory of light?
October 29, 2020 | Education
| Under the action of an electric field of an electromagnetic wave, an electron with a speed v moves in the direction opposite to the direction of the electric field strength vector; the wave’s magnetic field acts on a moving electron with the Lorentz force F. The direction of the action of this force coincides with the direction of wave propagation. The average force acting on the electrons of the metal surface determines the pressure force, and its ratio to the area is the value of the light pressure.
