Calculate the pressure exerted by electromagnetic radiation on a surface.
Radiation Parameters
Pressure Estimates
Enter parameters to calculate
About this calculator
Quick Reference
IIntensity (W/m²)
cSpeed of Light (m/s)
RReflectivity (0 to 1)
pMomentum (E/c)
Overview
Radiation pressure is the mechanical pressure exerted upon any surface due to the exchange of momentum between the object and the electromagnetic field.
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Pro Tips
Intensity (I) is the power delivered per unit area.
Reflectivity (R) is a value between 0 (perfect absorption) and 1 (perfect reflection).
The speed of light (c) is approximately 299,792,458 m/s.
Pressure is calculated as P = (I/c) * (1 + R).
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Fun Facts
"Solar sails use radiation pressure from the sun to propel spacecraft without fuel."
"The tail of a comet always points away from the sun partly due to radiation pressure."
"Radiation pressure is responsible for the stability of stars against gravitational collapse."
