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:

Question

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:

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

For an electromagnetic wave: ½ε₀E² = B²/(2μ₀) Also, E = cB where, c = 1/√(μ₀ε₀) Thus, electric and magnetic fields carry equal energy. Electromagnetic waves also exert radiation pressure on a surface. Therefore, both statements are correct.