Momentum & Radiation Pressure
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The electromagnetic wave exerts pressure on the surface on which they are allowed to fall.
Reason (R): There is no mass associated with the electromagnetic waves.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Show answer and solution
Answer: (b)
- (A) True: EM waves carry momentum , so they exert pressure on a surface.
- (R) True: EM waves (photons) have no rest mass.
- Pressure arises from the momentum carried by the wave, not from the absence of mass, so (R) does not explain (A).
- So the answer is (b).