Question: Suppose an electromagnetic plane wave is absorbed on a surface oriented perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. Show that the pressure exerted

Suppose an electromagnetic plane wave is absorbed on a surface oriented perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. Show that the pressure exerted by the radiation on the surface is prad = W/c, where W is the power absorbed per unit area. Solar radiation at the top of Earth’s atmosphere has an energy flux |S| = 1366 W/m2. What is the pressure of solar radiation when the Sun is overhead? What is the total force on Earth exerted by solar radiation?

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