How does the magnetic component of an EM wave affect surroundings?

[Boltzman Oscillation]

TL;DR Summary

Would the magnetic wave of an EM wave create a force on objects near the shone light?

Hi all, as we all know EM waves are made up of magnetic and electric waves in a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation. Given this, why don't I see conductors being affected when I shine light at them? Woulnt the magnetism cause a force? Is is that the force is too small? What am i not understanding.

 

[Ibix]

Given this, why don't I see conductors being affected when I shine light at them?

What happens if you shine radio or micro waves at a conductor? What's the difference between radio and light waves?

 

[kuruman]

Hi all, as we all know EM waves are made up of magnetic and electric waves $~\dots$

Please count me out. What I think I know is that EM waves are made up of magnetic and electric fields.

 

[Boltzman Oscillation]

What happens if you shine radio or micro waves at a conductor? What's the difference between radio and light waves?

Err when you asked me this I thought about the fact (i forgot the name) that if you shine light to a conductor then some of the electrons of the material will be sent flying out of the material. Oh, the photoelectric effect. Difference between radio and micro waves are many: energy, frequency, wavelength.

 

[kuruman]

Why do you say that conductors are not affected when you shine light at them? If light is affected by a conductor then the conductor must be affected by light. Have you wondered why a sheet of paper transmits light but not a sheet of aluminum foil?

 

[Boltzman Oscillation]

Why do you say that conductors are not affected when you shine light at them? If light is affected by a conductor then the conductor must be affected by light. Have you wondered why a sheet of paper transmits light but not a sheet of aluminum foil?

Now that I was reminded of the photoelectric effect then I know conductors are affected by light. Thank you for the thought producing questions, they helped me remember things and make new neurological connections!

 

[anorlunda]

Summary:: Would the magnetic wave of an EM wave create a force on objects near the shone light?

Woulnt the magnetism cause a force?

I think your view of electromagnetic radiation is too simplistic. Have a look at this and see if it makes sense.

https://www.khanacademy.org/science...gnetic-waves-and-the-electromagnetic-spectrum

 

[Ibix]

Err when you asked me this I thought about the fact (i forgot the name) that if you shine light to a conductor then some of the electrons of the material will be sent flying out of the material. Oh, the photoelectric effect. Difference between radio and micro waves are many: energy, frequency, wavelength.

I was actually thinking of a radio antenna, where an EM wave clearly makes electrons oscillate. Higher frequency EM does that too, but the effects aren't the same because the wave is higher frequency - see, for example, kuruman's post.

 

[DaveE]

Summary:: Would the magnetic wave of an EM wave create a force on objects near the shone light?

Is is that the force is too small?

Probably. Light has momentum which can be measured.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nichols_radiometer