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⚛️ Physics  ·  Electromagnetic Waves  ·  NEET & JEE

A laser beam (λ = 600 nm, power = 1 mW, beam area = 1 mm²) exerts radiation pressure on a perfect mirror. The force is:

Answer: 6.67 × 10⁻⁹ N.

  • A 6.67 × 10⁻⁹ N
  • B 6.67 × 10⁻⁶ N
  • C 3.33 × 10⁻⁹ N
  • D 1 × 10⁻³ N

Correct answer: A. 6.67 × 10⁻⁹ N

Explanation: Radiation pressure on mirror = 2I/c. I = P/A = 10⁻³/10⁻⁶ = 10³ W/m². Pressure = 2×10³/(3×10⁸) = 6.67×10⁻⁶ Pa. Force = P×A = 6.67×10⁻⁶ × 10⁻⁶ = 6.67×10⁻¹² N.

Electromagnetic Wave: E ⊥ B ⊥ Direction of TravelpropagationE (electric field, vertical plane)B (magnetic field, horizontal plane, perpendicular to E)

In an electromagnetic wave, the oscillating electric field (E) and magnetic field (B) are perpendicular to each other and to the direction the wave travels - a purely transverse wave that needs no medium, unlike sound.

Concept context

Maxwell's equations, EM spectrum, properties, and applications of each band.

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