2015 AIPMT-I Electromagnetic WavesMomentum of electromagnetic radiation Easy Question 31 of 49 in Electromagnetic Waves

A radiation of energy 'E' falls normally on a perfectly reflecting surface. The momentum transferred to the surface is (C = velocity of light):

A $\frac{E}{C}$
B $\frac{2E}{C}$
C $\frac{2E}{C^2}$
D $\frac{E}{C^2}$

The answer is B.

Solution

Momentum of the incident radiation $= \frac{E}{C}$; on perfect reflection it reverses.
Momentum transferred $= \frac{E}{C} - \left(-\frac{E}{C}\right) = \frac{2E}{C}$

Concept Radiation pressure on a reflector

Electromagnetic Waves in past papers

49 questions from this chapter have appeared across 24 exam years.