when light is absorbed by an object the radiation pressure is Pradiation= I/c. S

Question

when light is absorbed by an object the radiation pressure is Pradiation= I/c. Suppose the exposed surface of an object has instead a reflective coating so that it reflects electromagnetic waves. Which of the following statements is true? Hint: compare absorption to a completely inelastic collision and reflection to an elastic collision.

A) the force on the object due to radiation pressure is the same whether the light is absorbed or reflected.

B) the force on the object due to radiation pressure is greater by a factor of two when the light is reflected.

C) there is no force on the object due to radiation pressure when the light is reflected.

Explanation / Answer

Option (B) is correct

The force on the object due to radiation pressure is greater by a factor of two when the light is reflected

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