Newton's Third Law of Motion

[Woggles]

Newton's Third Law of Motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

My question is, if a space base laser is used to de-orbit space junk, would there be an equal push on the laser?

Thanks

 

[Mee_n_Mac]

Newton's Third Law of Motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

My question is, if a space base laser is used to de-orbit space junk, would there be an equal push on the laser?

Thanks

There's a push on the laser just emitting the beam. Doesn't matter (pun not intended) if the beam hits anything. Throwing photons is akin to throwing baseballs ... just a lot, lot, lot lighter.

 

[Woggles]

There's a push on the laser just emitting the beam.

Oh ya!! Didn't think of that. Thanks Mee_n_Mac. !!

 

[yevaud]

M_M's exactly correct. This is called, Momentum Transfer by Recoil Effect.