Start Learning Free

Before You Begin

Question #43093

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

A particle of mass mm and charge qq is embedded in a viscous medium that exerts a drag force F⃗d=−bv⃗\vec{F}_d = -b\vec{v}, where bb is a positive constant and v⃗\vec{v} is the particle's velocity. A plane electromagnetic wave propagates through the medium in the +z+z direction. At the particle's location, the electric and magnetic fields are given by E⃗=E0cos⁡(ωt)i^\vec{E} = E_0 \cos(\omega t) \hat{i} and B⃗=E0ccos⁡(ωt)j^\vec{B} = \frac{E_0}{c} \cos(\omega t) \hat{j}, where cc is the speed of light in the medium. Assume the particle's displacement is much smaller than the wavelength of the EM wave, so the spatial variation of the fields can be neglected. Furthermore, assume the velocity induced in the zz-direction is negligible compared to that in the xx-direction. After a long time, the particle reaches a steady state. What is the time-averaged magnetic Lorentz force ⟨Fz⟩\langle F_z \rangle acting on the particle in the +z+z direction?

Options

  • A.

    q2E02b2c(b2+m2ω2)\frac{q^2 E_0^2 b}{2c (b^2 + m^2 \omega^2)}

  • B.

    q2E02mω2c(b2+m2ω2)\frac{q^2 E_0^2 m \omega}{2c (b^2 + m^2 \omega^2)}

  • C.

    q2E022cb2+m2ω2\frac{q^2 E_0^2}{2c \sqrt{b^2 + m^2 \omega^2}}

  • D.

    q2E022bc\frac{q^2 E_0^2}{2bc}

Check Your Answer

Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Multi-Concept_Bridge

Master problems that require linking physics and math concepts to solve complex competitive questions.

Concepts Behind This Question

Transverse Nature of EM Waves|Variable Force Integration|Damped Oscillation Equation

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

This question tests the student's ability to couple the Lorentz force with the steady-state solution of a driven damped oscillator.

A common trap is treating the particle's velocity as being perfectly in phase with the driving electric field, which incorrectly yields Option C.

Another trap is confusing the absorptive (in-phase) and reactive (out-of-phase) components of the velocity, leading to Option B.

Students must recognize that the time-averaged magnetic force (radiation pressure) depends strictly on the component of velocity that is in phase with the magnetic field, which is governed by the damping coefficient bb and the phase lag ϕ\phi.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectPhysics
ChapterElectromagnetic Waves - Class 12
ConceptTransverse Nature of EM Waves
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree