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EM waves carry momentum and exert pressure: statements

This type of question, asked 3 times: 31 Jan 2024, 29 Jan 2025, 5 Apr 2026 S2. All 3 questions below, oldest first.

Try each one first, then open its answer.

  1. Question 1

    31 Jan 2024

    100
    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:

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  2. Question 2

    29 Jan 2025

    20
    Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A) : Electromagnetic waves carry energy but not momentum. Reason (R): Mass of a photon is zero. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

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  3. Question 3

    5 Apr 2026 S2

    14
    Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) : and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A) : The electromagnetic wave exerts pressure on the surface on which they are allowed to fall. Reason (R) : There is no mass associated with the electromagnetic waves. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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