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Question

A parallel beam of monochromatic light of wavelength 663 nm is incident on a totally reflecting plane mirror. The angle of incidence is 60o and the number of photons striking the mirror per second is 1.0×1019. Calculate the force exerted by light beam on the mirror.

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Solution

Force exerted = rate of change of momentum
Since light ray is incident at the angle 60 degree so there is two component of the momentum
Initial momentum of horizontal direction=Psinθ
Initial momentum of vertical direction=Pcosθ
Final momentum of horizontal direction=Psinθ
Final momentum of vertical direction=Pcosθ
We include negative sign because direction of the final momentum is opposite
Change in momentum in horizontal direction =PsinθPsinθ=0
Change in momentum in vertical direction =Pcosθ(Psinθ)=2Pcosθ
We know relation between wave length and momentum is given as
λ=hp
p=hλ

Force=Change in momentumTime taken

Force=Number of photons per second×Change in momentum

Force=1019×6.6×10346.63×109cos60

Force=108 N

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