Electromagnetic wave striking a small pocket mirror

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SUMMARY

A plane electromagnetic wave with an intensity of 6.00 W/m² strikes a small pocket mirror with an area of 40.0 cm², positioned in the yz plane. The momentum transferred to the mirror each second can be calculated using the formula p = U/c, where U is the energy and c is the speed of light. The force exerted on the mirror can be derived from the momentum transfer, establishing a direct relationship between momentum and force in this context. The calculated momentum transfer is 1.60 x 10^-10 kg·m/s.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave properties
  • Familiarity with the concepts of intensity and energy flux
  • Knowledge of momentum and force relationships in physics
  • Basic proficiency in using equations involving the speed of light (c)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between energy flux and momentum flux in electromagnetic waves
  • Learn how to derive momentum from energy using p = U/c
  • Explore the concepts of force exerted by electromagnetic radiation on surfaces
  • Investigate the implications of electromagnetic wave interactions with different materials
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone interested in the practical applications of electromagnetic wave theory.

Minihoudini
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Homework Statement


a plane electromagnetic wave of intensity 6.00 W/m^2, moving in the x direction, strikes a small pocket mirror of area 40.0cm^2, held in the yz plane.
(a) what momentum does the wave transfer to the mirror each second?
(b) find the force that the wave exerted on the mirror?
(c) explain the relationship between a and b


Homework Equations


I know how to get (b) and (c) but the first one is giving me the most trouble. I need help find U in order to get momentum from p= U/c


The Attempt at a Solution



given S I tried to calculate E and B to find Ue and Ub. I used I= E^2/2(mu)c arranged to be E= Sqrt and i used a few others to try to find U but nothing has been working. its telling me that the answer is 1.60 x 10^-10. I am getting answers close to the answer but not the answer.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How does energy flux (S) relate to momentum flux?
 
I meant I
 
Minihoudini said:
I meant I
Same thing. How does energy relate to momentum for an EM wave?
 

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