Momentum in electromagnetic waves

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the momentum of electromagnetic (EM) waves, specifically the relationship between energy and momentum as described by Einstein's energy-momentum relation. The participant references the equation p = U/c for momentum, where U is energy and c is the speed of light, and highlights the specific case for EM waves where rest mass m0 = 0, leading to p = E/c. Additionally, the momentum density equation dp/dV = EB/μ₀c² = S/c² from "University Physics" by Sears and Zemansky is mentioned, indicating the relationship between electromagnetic momentum flow and radiation pressure. The participant seeks a deeper understanding of the physics behind these equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave properties
  • Familiarity with Einstein's energy-momentum relation
  • Knowledge of the Poynting vector and its significance
  • Basic principles of classical mechanics and wave physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the energy-momentum tensor of the electromagnetic field
  • Explore the concept of radiation pressure and its applications
  • Investigate the implications of the Poynting vector in electromagnetic theory
  • Review advanced texts on quantum mechanics and wave-particle duality
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, wave mechanics, and theoretical physics, will benefit from this discussion.

Ahsan Khan
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I need to know how my book "University Physics" arrived at one of it's equation on momentum density dp/dV= S/c^2.
Hi all!
These days I am brushing up my knowledge on EM Waves. I begin with the introductory level but I don't mind to engage in an advanced treatment of the topic.

At the very basic level I had a high school book, the mentions straightway that if the wave carries with it an energy U, it posses a momentum p= U/c (8.12), where c is the speed of light.

I also heard about what they call Einstein's energy momentum relation. The total energy E by a wave/particle (with rest mass m0 if it's a particle) having momentum p by the following relation.
E^2 = (pc)^2 + (m0c^2) ^2

For a wave(EM wave) m0=0, so E= pc and this gives p=E/c.
This is kind of proof of my basic text if I believe in the famous Einstein Energy-momentum relation just mention above.
One of the problems I feel is that I don't know the Physics behind Einstein Energy-mometum relation so it's like memorising the stuff rather than understanding the reality of nature. So the proof is not complete in this sense.

Another thing is that I come across; is on a page in the book University Physics by Sears and Zemansky 12th Edition, where they talk about Electromagnetic momentum flow and radiation pressure.

They say it can be shown the electromagnetic wave carry momentum p, with a corresponding momentum density (momentum dp per volume dV) of magnitude

dp/dV= EB/μοc^2 = S/c^2 (32.30)
(I know EB/μο= Poynting Vector magnitude and other symbols).

I am attaching the photograph of both the books.
I need particularly the physics (proof) behind momentum density equation 32.30 of University Physics book and if possible the insight into Einstein Energy momentum relation also.

Regards!
Thanks a bunch :)
 

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