Question

A plane electromagnetic wave is incident on a material surface. The wave delivers momentum $P$ and energy $E$

• A. $P=0,E\ne 0$
• B. $P\ne 0,E=0$
• C. $P\ne 0,E\ne 0$
• D. $P=0,E=0$

Answer 1

The correct option is C

$P\ne 0,E\ne 0$

Explanation for the correct answer

1. When a plane electromagnetic wave is incident on a material surface the waves deliver momentum $P$ and energy $E$ to the surface, the electromagnetic waves exert pressure on the surface.
2. The total energy transferred to the surface by the electromagnetic waves is $E=Pc.$
   Where “c” is the speed of light.
3. Therefore, $P\ne 0,E\ne 0$
4. Hence, a plane electromagnetic wave is incident on a material surface. The wave delivers momentum $P$ and energy $E$ is $P\ne 0,E\ne 0$.

Hence, the correct option is (C).