Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Photoelectric Effect and Wave–Particle Duality
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · Photoelectric Effect and Wave–Particle Duality
A small, totally reflecting plane mirror is positioned horizontally...
A small, totally reflecting plane mirror is positioned horizontally to face a parallel beam of light, as shown in the figure. The mirror has a mass of . Assuming no absorption occurs in the lens and that of the light emitted by the source passes through the lens, determine the power of the source required to support the weight of the mirror. Take .


Options
- A
- B
- C
- D
Correct answer
D.
Step-by-step solution
Let be the power of the source. The power of the light that passes through the lens and is incident on the mirror is .
Since the mirror is totally reflecting, the force exerted by the light beam on the mirror is given by the rate of change of momentum of the photons:
For the light to support the weight of the mirror, this force must be equal to the gravitational force acting on the mirror:
Substituting the given values (, , and ):
Since the mirror is totally reflecting, the force exerted by the light beam on the mirror is given by the rate of change of momentum of the photons:
For the light to support the weight of the mirror, this force must be equal to the gravitational force acting on the mirror:
Substituting the given values (, , and ):