1. For a given incident energy of electromagnetic wave, why is the radiation pre

Question

1. For a given incident energy of electromagnetic wave, why is the radiation pressure on a perfect reflecting surface twice as large as the pressure on a perfect absorbing surface? 1. For a given incident energy of electromagnetic wave, why is the radiation pressure on a perfect reflecting surface twice as large as the pressure on a perfect absorbing surface? 1. For a given incident energy of electromagnetic wave, why is the radiation pressure on a perfect reflecting surface twice as large as the pressure on a perfect absorbing surface? 1. For a given incident energy of electromagnetic wave, why is the radiation pressure on a perfect reflecting surface twice as large as the pressure on a perfect absorbing surface?

Explanation / Answer

change in momentum of photons is twice on a perfect reflecting surface comapred to a perfect absorbing surface.

from Newton's second law, F = dP/dt (the rate of change of momentum)

so, in the case of complete obsorption radiation exert double force.

Pressure = F/A

when F becomes double pressure also becomes double.

so, the radiation pressure on a perfect reflecting surface twice as large as the pressure on a perfect absorbing surface.

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