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:
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:
- (A)Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
- (B)Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.✓ Correct
- (C)Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
- (D)Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
Answer: (B)
Solution
The energy density of an electromagnetic wave is carried equally by its electric and magnetic fields:
Since and , substituting gives ; Statement I is correct.
Electromagnetic waves carry momentum, and when they strike a surface this momentum transfer produces a measurable radiation pressure; Statement II is correct.
Both statements are correct.
Since and , substituting gives ; Statement I is correct.
Electromagnetic waves carry momentum, and when they strike a surface this momentum transfer produces a measurable radiation pressure; Statement II is correct.
Both statements are correct.
JEE Main · 2024 · 31 Jan 2024 · Shift 2 · Single correct option