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Can someone explain how the EM drive violates conservation of momentum while radiation pressure does not? In fact it would seem the most obvious way the EM driv
by SigmundA 11y ago
Can someone explain how the EM drive violates conservation of momentum while radiation pressure does not? In fact it would seem the most obvious way the EM drive works is related to radiation pressure.
I am sure I am missing something do to my lack of understanding in the field, but radiation pressure is based on photons having momentum. The EM drive seems to work by emitting a whole lot of photons in the form of microwaves and having them bounce around inside a chamber shaped a certain way leading to it exerting a net force.
- AnimalMuppet 11y agoIIUC, the problem is that the chamber is closed. Photons having momentum shouldn't create net thrust if they never escape the chamber.
- SigmundA 11y agoI assumed the chamber wasn't perfect just that they reflect enough times to impart the net thrust before escaping.
- AnimalMuppet 11y agoBut if they reflect a lot, they reflect from one side, and then from the other side. Still no net momentum change.