Electromagnetic wave carries

The correct answer is Option (3) → Energy and momentum

An electromagnetic wave is made of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. It carries energy (the energy density is \( \frac{1}{2}\varepsilon_0E^{2} + \frac{1}{2\mu_0}B^{2} \)) and momentum (a wave of energy \( U \) carries momentum \( p = U/c \)), which is why it can exert radiation pressure.

Note: This question is from the pre-rationalised NCERT book (2022-23). The topic was removed from the latest NCERT book (2026-27), but it is still in the CUET 2026 syllabus, so do not skip it.

NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Nature of Electromagnetic Waves – “… Do electromagnetic waves carry energy and momentum like other waves? Yes, they do.”

Nature of Electromagnetic Waves – “… This just illustrates the fact that an electromagnetic wave (like other waves) carries energy and momentum. Since it carries momentum, an electromagnetic wave also exerts pressure, called radiation pressure.”