The nature of light is indeed described by both particle-like and wave-like behavior. Light can be thought of as a stream of particles called photons, which carry energy and momentum. At the same time, light exhibits wave-like characteristics, such as interference and diffraction.
When light interacts with an object, whether it creates a thrust or not depends on the specific circumstances. In general, when light is absorbed by an object, its energy can be converted into other forms, such as heat. This energy transfer can induce a small force on the object, known as radiation pressure. The magnitude of this force depends on factors like the intensity of the light and the reflective properties of the object's surface.
In certain scenarios, this radiation pressure can indeed result in a measurable thrust. For example, in space exploration, solar sails utilize the pressure exerted by sunlight to generate propulsion. These sails are large, lightweight structures that reflect or absorb photons from the Sun, creating a small but continuous acceleration over time.
However, it's important to note that the magnitude of the thrust generated by light is typically very small. For everyday objects and scenarios, the effect is negligible and not noticeable. The momentum carried by photons is tiny, and for significant thrust to be generated, a large number of photons or specialized setups are usually required.