Energy and momentum imparted by an EM wave

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interaction of a plane electromagnetic (EM) wave with a material surface, specifically regarding the momentum (p) and energy (E) imparted by the wave. The correct conclusion is that both momentum and energy are non-zero when the wave interacts with the surface, confirming option (4): p≠0, E≠0. The movement of electrons due to the electric field component of the wave results in this transfer of momentum and energy.

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  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave properties
  • Knowledge of momentum and energy concepts in physics
  • Familiarity with the behavior of electrons in electric fields
  • Basic principles of wave-particle interactions
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Titan97
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Homework Statement


A plane electromagnetic wave is incident on a material surface. The wave delivers a momentum ##p## and energy ##E##. Then which of the following is/are correct?

1) ##p=0,~E=0##
2) ##p\neq 0,~E=0##
3) ##p=0,~E\neq 0##
4) ##p\neq 0,~E\neq 0##

Homework Equations



None

The Attempt at a Solution


Is the answer (4)? When an em wave hits a surface, the electrons in it will start moving because of the electric field component. So it gets a momentum and some energy.
 
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Note:
If the question said that the wave delivers pizza P and Beer B then the correct statement would be ##P\neq 0, B\neq 0## ... it does not say how the wave delivers these things, perhaps it pushes a levitating train loaded with beer and pizza(?) - but that does not matter for the question as it is written.
 
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