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Which of the statements are correct?
An electromagnetic wave incident upon a perfectly absorbing surface exerts 
  • a)
    pressure equal to that when the electromagnetic wave is incident upon a perfectly reflecting surface.
  • b)
    The radiation pressure is directly proportional to the magnitude of poynting vector
  • c)
    The magnitude of the electric field is attenuated as the wave propagates.
  • d)
    The magnitude of the ratio electric field to magnetic field is constant.
Correct answer is option 'B,C,D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Which of the statements are correct?An electromagnetic wave incident u...
When electromagnetic wave are incident on the surface of a substance, they are absorbed or reflected and thus transfer momentum to the substance. The rate at which momentum is transferred per unit area is known as radiation pressure if U is energy density then Radiation pressure prad = u 
poynting vector S = cu 
Prad α S
and z =|E/H| = 3 76 (constant)
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Which of the statements are correct?An electromagnetic wave incident u...
Statement A: An electromagnetic wave incident upon a perfectly absorbing surface exerts pressure equal to that when the electromagnetic wave is incident upon a perfectly reflecting surface.

This statement is incorrect. When an electromagnetic wave is incident upon a perfectly absorbing surface, the entire energy of the wave is absorbed by the surface. Therefore, there is no reflection and hence no pressure exerted on the surface. In contrast, when an electromagnetic wave is incident upon a perfectly reflecting surface, the wave is reflected back and exerts pressure on the surface due to the change in momentum.

Statement B: The radiation pressure is directly proportional to the magnitude of the Poynting vector.

This statement is correct. The Poynting vector represents the direction and magnitude of the energy flow in an electromagnetic wave. The radiation pressure is defined as the force per unit area exerted by an electromagnetic wave on a surface. Since the magnitude of the Poynting vector represents the energy flux density, the radiation pressure is directly proportional to it.

Statement C: The magnitude of the electric field is attenuated as the wave propagates.

This statement is correct. As an electromagnetic wave propagates through a medium or free space, it experiences attenuation. Attenuation refers to the decrease in the magnitude of the electric and magnetic fields as the wave travels further away from its source. This attenuation is caused by various factors such as absorption, scattering, and diffraction.

Statement D: The magnitude of the ratio of electric field to magnetic field is constant.

This statement is correct. In an electromagnetic wave, the ratio of the magnitude of the electric field to the magnitude of the magnetic field is constant and is equal to the speed of light in vacuum, denoted as 'c'. This relationship is expressed by the equation c = E/B, where c is the speed of light, E is the magnitude of the electric field, and B is the magnitude of the magnetic field.

To summarize:
- Statement A is incorrect as an electromagnetic wave incident upon a perfectly absorbing surface does not exert pressure.
- Statement B is correct as the radiation pressure is directly proportional to the magnitude of the Poynting vector.
- Statement C is correct as the magnitude of the electric field is attenuated as the wave propagates.
- Statement D is correct as the magnitude of the ratio of electric field to magnetic field is constant and equal to the speed of light.
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Which of the statements are correct?An electromagnetic wave incident upon a perfectly absorbing surface exertsa)pressure equal to that when the electromagnetic wave is incident upon a perfectly reflecting surface.b)The radiation pressure is directly proportional to the magnitude of poyntingvectorc)The magnitude of the electric field is attenuated as the wave propagates.d)The magnitude of the ratio electric field to magnetic field is constant.Correct answer is option 'B,C,D'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the statements are correct?An electromagnetic wave incident upon a perfectly absorbing surface exertsa)pressure equal to that when the electromagnetic wave is incident upon a perfectly reflecting surface.b)The radiation pressure is directly proportional to the magnitude of poyntingvectorc)The magnitude of the electric field is attenuated as the wave propagates.d)The magnitude of the ratio electric field to magnetic field is constant.Correct answer is option 'B,C,D'. Can you explain this answer? for Physics 2024 is part of Physics preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Physics exam syllabus. Information about Which of the statements are correct?An electromagnetic wave incident upon a perfectly absorbing surface exertsa)pressure equal to that when the electromagnetic wave is incident upon a perfectly reflecting surface.b)The radiation pressure is directly proportional to the magnitude of poyntingvectorc)The magnitude of the electric field is attenuated as the wave propagates.d)The magnitude of the ratio electric field to magnetic field is constant.Correct answer is option 'B,C,D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Physics 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which of the statements are correct?An electromagnetic wave incident upon a perfectly absorbing surface exertsa)pressure equal to that when the electromagnetic wave is incident upon a perfectly reflecting surface.b)The radiation pressure is directly proportional to the magnitude of poyntingvectorc)The magnitude of the electric field is attenuated as the wave propagates.d)The magnitude of the ratio electric field to magnetic field is constant.Correct answer is option 'B,C,D'. Can you explain this answer?.
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