First slide
Momentum and Radiation pressure
Question

A plane electromagnetic wave of intensity of 10 W/m2 strikes a small mirror of area 20 cm2, held perpendicular to the approaching wave. The radiation force on the mirror will be

Moderate
Solution

Radiation force = momentum transferred per second by electromagnetic wave to the mirror

=2SavAc=2×(10)×20×1043×108

=1.33 × 1010 N

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