Harvey's Law

Harvey’s Law states that electromagnetic radiation, like light, can exert a small force on objects it encounters. When light hits an object, it transfers a tiny amount of momentum, producing a slight push—this is called radiation pressure. Although negligible in everyday situations, radiation pressure becomes significant in areas like space, where even tiny forces can influence spacecraft movement or the behavior of dust particles. Essentially, Harvey’s Law highlights how energy carried by light can generate force, demonstrating the dynamic relationship between electromagnetic radiation and matter.