Question

a solar sail moves through space using reflected photons to propel itself forward. which statement describes how newtons first law of motion is involved in this interaction? the less massive the sail is, the more it will accelerate for a given number of reflected photons. the sail exerts a backward force on the photon that is equal in magnitude to the forward force that the photon exerts on the sail. the sail will move at a constant velocity until photons are reflected off of it.

Explanation:

Newton's first law, the law of inertia, states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an un - balanced force. For a solar sail, it will move at a constant velocity until photons are reflected off of it, which is an un - balanced force changing its motion. The first option relates to Newton's second law ($F = ma$), and the second option relates to Newton's third law (action - reaction).

Answer:

The sail will move at a constant velocity until photons are reflected off of it.