Final answer:
The radiation pressure from light would be greatest on a perfectly reflecting surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
In terms of radiation pressure from light, the greatest pressure would be exerted on a perfectly reflecting surface. This is because a perfectly reflecting surface reflects all incident light, absorbing none of it. Since the pressure from light is directly proportional to the energy density of the wave, a perfectly reflecting surface would experience double the pressure compared to a perfectly absorbing surface.
For example, if we consider an electromagnetic wave incident on both surfaces, the energy density of the wave is the same. However, on the perfectly absorbing surface, the energy is absorbed, resulting in a lower pressure. On the perfectly reflecting surface, the energy is reflected, contributing to a higher pressure.
Therefore, if all else is the same, the radiation pressure from light would be greatest on a perfectly reflecting surface.