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NEETPhysicsElectromagnetic Waves

Why does the electric field of an electromagnetic (EM) wave not contribute to the radiation pressure, even though it exerts a force on a charged particle?

Options

  1. AThe electric field of an EM wave is shielded by vacuum fluctuations.
  2. BThe electric field force is cancelled out by the magnetic field force.
  3. CThe direction of the force caused by the electric field changes with each half cycle, averaging to zero over a
  4. DThe electric field of an EM wave is too weak to contribute to radiation pressure.

Correct answer

C. The direction of the force caused by the electric field changes with each half cycle, averaging to zero over a

Step-by-step solution

Correct Option is : (C) The direction of the force caused by the electric field changes with each half cycle, averaging to zero over a complete cycle.

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