If the total electromagnetic energy falling on a surface is U, then the total momentum delivered (for complete absorption) is

Options

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

Answer

A

Explanation

The object gains an energy `Delta U` fro radiation. Maxwell showed that the object also gains linear momentum, the magnitude `Deltap` or the change in momentum of the object is related to the energy change U by
`Delta p = (U)/(c)`