Electromagnetic Waves Ques 30
30. A radiation of energy ’ $E$ ’ falls normally on a perfectly reflecting surface. The momentum transferred to the surface is $(C=$ Velocity of light $)$
[2015]
(a) $\frac{2 E}{C}$
(b) $\frac{2 E}{C^{2}}$
(c) $\frac{E}{C^{2}}$
(d) $\frac{E}{C}$
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Answer:
Correct Answer: 30.(a)
Solution:
- (a) Momentum of light falling on reflecting surface $p=\frac{E}{C}$
As surface is perfectly reflecting so momentum reflect $p^{\prime}=-\frac{E}{C}$

So, momentum transferred
$=P-P^{\prime}=\frac{E}{C}-(-\frac{E}{C})=\frac{2 E}{C}$