Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Physics

Chapter

Electromagnetic Waves

Question:

The pressure exerted by an electromagnetic wave of intensity I(Wm-2) on a non-reflecting surface is (c is the velocity of light):

Options:

Ic

Ic2

I/c

I/c2

Correct Answer:

I/c

Explanation:

When a surface intercepts electromagnetic radiation, a force and a pressure are exerted on the surface. As the surface is non-reflecting, so it is completely absorbed and in such case the force is

$F = \frac{IA}{c}$

The radiation pressure is the force per unit area, $P = \frac{F}{A} = \frac{I}{c}$