Question:

A light of energy flux \[ 9\ \text{W cm}^{-2} \] is incident for \(20\) minutes on a black surface of area \[ 100\ \text{cm}^2. \] Then the maximum average force exerted on the surface is \[ (c=3\times10^8\ \text{m s}^{-1}) \]

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For a perfectly absorbing surface: \[ P_{\text{rad}}=\frac{I}{c}. \] For a perfectly reflecting surface: \[ P_{\text{rad}}=\frac{2I}{c}. \] Force is obtained from \[ F=P_{\text{rad}}A. \]
Updated On: Jul 29, 2026
  • \[ 3\times10^{-3}\ \text{N} \]
  • \[ 3\times10^{-6}\ \text{N} \]
  • \[ 3\times10^{-8}\ \text{N} \]
  • \[ 10\ \text{N} \]
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: For a perfectly absorbing (black) surface, \[ \text{Radiation Pressure} = \frac{I}{c}, \] where \(I\) is the energy flux (intensity). The force exerted on area \(A\) is \[ F=PA=\frac{IA}{c}. \]

Step 1: Convert the intensity into SI units. Given, \[ I=9\ \text{W cm}^{-2}. \] Since \[ 1\ \text{cm}^2=10^{-4}\ \text{m}^2, \] \[ I = 9\times10^{4}\ \text{W m}^{-2}. \]

Step 2: Convert the area into SI units. \[ A=100\ \text{cm}^2. \] \[ A=100\times10^{-4} =10^{-2}\ \text{m}^2. \]

Step 3: Calculate the force. \[ F = \frac{IA}{c}. \] \[ = \frac{(9\times10^{4})(10^{-2})} {3\times10^{8}}. \] \[ = \frac{9\times10^{2}} {3\times10^{8}}. \] \[ = 3\times10^{-6}\ \text{N}. \] Thus, \[ \boxed{F=3\times10^{-6}\ \text{N}} \]

Note: The given time of \(20\) minutes is irrelevant because the force depends on power flux, not on the duration of exposure. Therefore, \[ \boxed{\text{Answer = (B)}} \]
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