Massless particles can exert a force

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

4 sources for · 0 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that massless particles can exert a force?

Yes. Multiple physics studies confirm that massless particles, such as photons, carry momentum and exert observable forces (radiation pressure) when interacting with matter.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 4 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 5 Aug 2026

The analysis

The claim states that massless particles can exert a force. Papers [1], [2], [3], and [8] directly deal with photon momentum, radiation pressure, optical forces, and momentum transfer mediated by electromagnetic fields (photons being massless particles). All of these sources support the assertion that massless particles exert forces. There are no refuting papers.

Evidence for · 4

Thermodynamics of radiation pressure and photon momentum

2017

This study discusses radiation pressure and photon momentum, establishing that electromagnetic radiation consisting of massless photons exerts pressure and force.

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Mansuripur, M. & Han, P. (2017). Thermodynamics of radiation pressure and photon momentum. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2274589

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More for · 3

Photon chiral memory effect stored on celestial sphere

2023

The paper explains how photons carry angular momentum and induce optical forces and torques.

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Maleknejad, A. (2023). Photon chiral memory effect stored on celestial sphere. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP06(2023)193

Microscopic theory of photon-induced energy, momentum, and angular momentum transport in the nonequilibrium regime

2021

Using a microscopic theory, this paper calculates the force and momentum transfer mediated by fluctuating electromagnetic fields and photons.

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Zhang, Y., Zhu, T., Zhang, Z., & Wang, J. (2021). Microscopic theory of photon-induced energy, momentum, and angular momentum transport in the nonequilibrium regime. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.105.205421

Controlling the sign of optical forces using metaoptics.

2026

The work demonstrates the exertion of net optical forces using meta-optics interacting with optical fields.

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A, A., B, M., N, M., & R, Q. (2026). Controlling the sign of optical forces using metaoptics.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-67928-6

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Receipt History

first checked05 Aug 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 8205 Aug 2026

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