Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Physics

Chapter

Electromagnetic Waves

Question:

Light with an energy flux of 20 W/cm2 falls on a non-reflecting surface at normal incidence. If the surface has an area of 30 cm2, then the total momentum delivered (for complete absorption) during 30 min is:

Options:

36 × 10-5 kg-m/s

36 × 10-4 kg-m/s

108 × 10-4 kg-m/s

1.08 × 107 kg-m/s

Correct Answer:

36 × 10-4 kg-m/s

Explanation:

Given, energy flux, $\phi=20 W/cm^2$

Area, $A = 30 ~cm^2$

Time, t = 30 min = 30 × 60s

Now, total energy falling on the surface in time $t$ is, $u=\phi At=20 \times 30 \times(30 \times 60)$ J

Momentum of the reflected light = 0

∴  Momentum delivered to the surface = $36 \times 10^{-4}-0=36 \times 10^{-4}$ kg-m/s