Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsPhotoelectric Effect and Wave–Particle Duality
A sphere of radius 1.00 cm is positioned in the path of a parallel beam of light with a large aperture. The light has an intensity of 0.50 W cm ⁻² . Assuming the sphere completely absorbs the incident radiation, determine the force applied by the light beam on the sphere.
Options
- A1.0 10⁻⁸ N
- B2.1 10⁻⁸ N
- C1.7 10⁻⁹ N
- D5.2 10⁻⁹ N
Correct answer
D. 5.2 10⁻⁹ N
Step-by-step solution
The effective area of the sphere intercepting the parallel beam of light is its projected cross-sectional area, A = r^2 . Given r = 1.00 cm , the area is A = (1.00)^2 = cm ^2 . The total power absorbed by the sphere is P = I A . Substituting I = 0.50 W cm ⁻² , we get P = 0.50 = 0.50 W . Since the sphere completely absorbs the incident radiation, the force exerted by the light beam is the momentum transferred per unit time, F = P c . Using c = 3 10^8 m s ⁻¹ : F = 0.50 3 10^8 = 1.57 3 10^8 5.2 10⁻⁹ N