Does light have momentum?
GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer
Yes, light has momentum despite having no mass. According to quantum mechanics and Einstein's theory of relativity, light carries momentum given by the formula p = E/c, where E is the photon's energy and c is the speed of light. This is why light can exert pressure (radiation pressure) and is the principle behind solar sails for spacecraft.
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