Momentum & Radiation Pressure
Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Electromagnetic waves carry energy as they travel through space and this energy is equally shared by the electric and magnetic fields.
Statement II: When electromagnetic waves strike a surface, a pressure is exerted on the surface. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Show answer and solution
Answer: (b)
- Statement I correct: average energy density of the field equals that of the field, .
- Statement II correct: EM waves carry momentum, so they exert radiation pressure on a surface.
- So the answer is (b).