A radiation of energy E falls normally on a perfectly reflecting surface. The momentum transferred to the surface is (c = velocity of light)

Options

A. `(E)/(c)`
B. `(2E)/(c)`
C. `(2E)/(c^(2))`
D. `(E)/(c^(2))`

Answer

B

Explanation

Transfer of momentum for an incident photon of energy hf is `(hf)/(c)`. Hence, transfer of momentum for incidence of energy E is `(E)/(c)`.
Again, transfer of momentum due to the reaction for total reflection of radiation is `(E)/(c)`.
`:.` The total momentum transferred `= (2E)/(c)`