Re: Nuclear Isomer Decay: A Possibility for Breakthrough Space

[Thomas Gleich Harrison <tomh@jove.acs.unt.edu>]

well lets face it.. the workings of Crooke's Radiometer is a scientific
mystery. But all of the above are probably correct. Electrons clearly must
absorb the radiant energy and thus aquire added momentum. If the light
energy is such that the work function can be overcome, then of course
electrons will leave the surface. Or if the thermal distribution can be
shifted slightly upscale then more electrons will exceed the threshold for
escape and thus more will leave the surface then if the temp is lower. 
My original point is that like energy, momentum can be nether created nor
destroyed, just transferred and partitioned. So if electrons leave the
surface with momentum, then the photons striking the surface had to have
initial momentum.........  I think !!!
 
Tom Harrison
Physics Dept
University of North Texas


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