Question

If you were to design a solar sail, what material will collect the most momentum? Why does this material color transfer the most momentum? (Black, Silver, Red, Yellow, Violet)

Answer 1

So we know that these solar sails will be floating in the upper space where there is vacuum. The Photons eventhough do not have any mass, Gains momentum when it travels through space. When it hits the solar sail it imaparts a part of its momentum to sail, thus setting the sail into motion. Then when the photon bounces back, the photons give the sails another push.

For this process to happen we need the most reflecting color to be used. Aluminium is the preferred choice for making the sails. So the ideal choice of color for the solar sails would be Silver. Because of its reflecting capabilities it attains the maximum momentum from the colliding Photons.

Hope you found this useful!!