Reflection from a moving mirror - a simple derivation using the photon model of light
Journal
Eur. J. Phys. 34 (2013) L1-L4
Date Issued
2012-07-02
Author(s)
DOI
10.1088/0143-0807/34/1/L1
Abstract
We present an elementary analysis of the effects on light reflected from a
uniformly moving mirror by using the photon picture of light and the
conservation laws for energy and momentum of the system photon-mirror. Such a
dynamical approach to the problem seems very suitable for introductory physics
courses, not requiring any previous knowledge in wave optics or special
relativity.
uniformly moving mirror by using the photon picture of light and the
conservation laws for energy and momentum of the system photon-mirror. Such a
dynamical approach to the problem seems very suitable for introductory physics
courses, not requiring any previous knowledge in wave optics or special
relativity.