Q.
An electromagnetic wave of intensity I falls on a surface kept in vacuum and exerts radiation pressure P on it. Choose wrong option from the following
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a
Radiation pressure is IC if the wave is totally absorbed
b
Radiation pressure is IC if the wave is totally reflected
c
Radiation pressure is 2IC if the wave is totally reflected
d
Radiation pressure is in the range IC
answer is B.
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Detailed Solution
Radiation pressure P is the force exerted by electromagnetic wave on unit area of the surface , i.e, rate of change of momentum per unit area of the surfaceMomentum per unit time per unit area is intensityspeed of wave=IC Chnge in momentum per unit time per unit area =ΔIC=radiation pressure (p) momentum of incident wave per unit time per unit area =IC When wave is fully absorbed by the surface, the momentum of the reflected wave per unit time per unit area is zeroRadiation pressure (P)= change in momentum per unit time per unit area ΔIC=IC−0=ICWhen wave is totally reflected , then momentum of the reflected wave per unit time per unit area is −IC Radiation pressure P=IC−IC=2IC here, P lies between IC&2IC
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