An object is placed in a medium of refractive index 3 . An electromagnetic wave of intensity 6 108 W/m2 falls normally on the object and it is absorbed completely. The radiation pressure on the object would be (speed of light in free space =3 108 m/s ) :
- 6 Nm-2
- 36 Nm-2
- 18 Nm-2
- 2 Nm-2
Answer
(1) 6 Nm-2
Solution
Complete absorption: radiation pressure P= Iv, where v= cn is the wave speed in the medium.
The momentum carried per second per unit area is (energy flux) ÷ (wave speed), and the absorber takes all of it.
P= nIc= 3 6 1083 108
=6 N m-2
Answer: (1)