Chapter 9, Problem 9.41E

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The acceleration of the sail is to be predicted.

Concept introduction:

Solar light sail is a spacecraft that is pushed forward by the sunlight. It is made up of reflecting surface. The light is made up of photons. When a beam of light falls on the surface of sail, the photons reflect back. The photons transfer their momentum to the surface of sail.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The velocity of the sail after $10.0\text{y}\left(=3.156\times {10}^8\text{s}\right)$ is to be estimated.

Concept introduction:

Solar light sail is a spacecraft that is pushed forward by the sunlight. It is made up of reflecting surface. The light is made up of photons. When a beam of light falls on the surface of sail, the photons reflect back. The photons transfer their momentum to the surface of sail.

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

The distance travelled by the sail in $10.0\text{y}$ is to be predicted.

Concept introduction:

Solar light sail is a spacecraft that is pushed forward by the sunlight. It is made up of reflecting surface. The light is made up of photons. When a beam of light falls on the surface of sail, the photons reflect back. The photons transfer their momentum to the surface of sail.

Interpretation Introduction

(d)

Interpretation:

The usefulness of solar light sails is to be stated on the basis of parts b and c.

Concept introduction:

Solar light sail is a spacecraft that is pushed forward by the sunlight. It is made up of reflecting surface. The light is made up of photons. When a beam of light falls on the surface of sail, the photons reflect back. The photons transfer their momentum to the surface of sail.