Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 33 - Electromagnetic Waves - Problems - Page 1002: 23b

Answer

Any slight horizontal force, from air currents for example, could knock the sphere off its unstable position above the light source.

Work Step by Step

The sphere would need to be positioned precisely above the light so the downward gravitational force cancelled with the upward force from the radiation. Any slight horizontal force, from air currents for example, could knock the sphere off its unstable position above the light source.
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