Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Electromagnetic waves carry energy as they travel through space and this energy is equally shared by the electric and magnetic fields.
Statement II: When electromagnetic waves strike a surface, a pressure is exerted on the surface. In the light of the above statements.
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
• C. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
• D. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To solve this problem, we need to evaluate both statements based on the principles of electromagnetic waves:

1. Statement I: "Electromagnetic waves carry energy as they travel through space and this energy is equally shared by the electric and magnetic fields."

Electromagnetic waves are oscillations of electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space. The energy carried by these waves is indeed distributed between the electric and magnetic fields. According to electromagnetic theory, the energy density of an electromagnetic wave can be expressed as the sum of the energy densities of the electric field (\( \frac{1}{2} \epsilon E^2 \)) and the magnetic field (\( \frac{1}{2} \frac{B^2}{\mu} \)), where \( \epsilon \) is the permittivity, \( \mu \) is the permeability, \( E \) is the electric field, and \( B \) is the magnetic field.

Therefore, Statement I is correct.

1. Statement II: "When electromagnetic waves strike a surface, a pressure is exerted on the surface."

This statement is also accurate. The pressure exerted by electromagnetic waves upon striking a surface is known as radiation pressure. This phenomenon occurs because electromagnetic waves carry momentum, and when they interact with matter, momentum transfer results in pressure. This is a well-established concept in physics.

Hence, Statement II is correct.

Given the explanations above, the correct conclusion is:

• Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.

Answer 2

Electromagnetic waves indeed carry energy as they propagate through space. This energy is equally divided between the electric and magnetic field components of the wave. Therefore, Statement I is correct.

When electromagnetic waves hit a surface, they exert radiation pressure on it due to the transfer of momentum. This pressure is proportional to the wave’s intensity. Therefore, Statement II is also correct.

Thus, both statements are correct, so the answer is:

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.