How to use the radiation pressure force calculator
Find the pressure and force that light exerts on a perfectly absorbing surface. Enter irradiance, illuminated area in the fields above; the radiation pressure on absorber, force on area are computed instantly and plotted on the chart so you can see how the answer changes.
Common searches this calculator answers include “radiation pressure”, “solar sail force”, “light pushes on surface”, “calculate radiation pressure force”, “find radiation pressure on absorber”.
Formula
Variables
- I — Irradiance (W/m²)
- A — Illuminated area (m²)
Worked example
With irradiance = 1361 W/m², illuminated area = 1 m², the calculator gives radiation pressure on absorber ≈ 4.539807 µPa; force on area ≈ 4.539807 µN.
Frequently asked questions
What is the radiation pressure force calculator used for?
Find the pressure and force that light exerts on a perfectly absorbing surface. It helps with questions such as “radiation pressure”, “solar sail force”, “light pushes on surface”.
What is the formula for the radiation pressure force calculation?
Radiation pressure on absorber (µPa) = I / CLIGHT × 1e6. Force on area (µN) = [Radiation pressure on absorber] × A. Here I is irradiance (W/m²), A is illuminated area (m²).
What inputs do I need for the radiation pressure force calculator?
You need irradiance in W/m², illuminated area in m². Each field is pre-filled with a typical example so you can see how the result responds as you edit the numbers.
How do I use the radiation pressure force calculator?
Type values into the input fields. Results and the chart update instantly. Use Reset to restore the example values, Copy results to paste them elsewhere, or Share to copy a link that preserves your inputs.
Is the radiation pressure force result exact?
Calculations use standard formulas and double-precision arithmetic, then display about seven significant figures. Real-world measurements carry uncertainty, so treat results as estimates unless your inputs are exact.