Science · 2010 · 13 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesPhysicsMathematical PhysicsOpticsTheoretical PhysicsElectromagnetic MomentumPhilosophy Of PhysicsPhysical OpticsCanonical Momentum Of LightKinetic Momentum Of LightLight Theory
Physicists have been debating the formula for the momentum of light zipping through a transparent material ever since two different formulas were proposed more than 100 years ago. Now a theorist says both formulas are correct, but they denote different things and apply in different contexts.