Question

When an electromagnetic wave falls on a white, perfectly reflectingsurface, it exerts a force F on that surface. If the surfaceis now painted a perfectly absorbing black, the force that the samewave would exert on the surface is:___________.
A) F
B) F/2
C) F/4
D) 2F
E) 4F

Answer 1

Answer:

B. F/2

Explanation:

The radiation force per unit area (radiation pressure Prad) exerted by an electromagnetic wave on a perfectly absorbing body has been found by experiment to be equal to the energy density of the wave

i.e Prad = u

For a reflecting body, this force exerted per unit area has been found to be twice the energy density of the wave.

i.e Prad = 2u.

Therefore, if the force exerted on a perfectly reflective body is F, then the force exerted on a perfectly absorbing body will be F/2