A point source of light placed in a homogeneous medium gives rise to ___________________?
Correct answer: C. a spherical wave front
- A. a cylindrical wave front
- B. an elliptical wave front
- C. a spherical wave front
- D. a plane wave front
Explanation
Wavefronts from a point source spread equally in all directions in a homogeneous medium, forming concentric spheres centred on the source. Option d is tempting when the source is considered very far away, because a small part of a spherical wavefront then appears plane.
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About Progressive Waves
Progressive waves transfer energy through a medium or space while particles oscillate about their equilibrium positions. The work includes amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, phase difference, wave speed and the progressive wave equation, while distinguishing travelling waves from stationary waves, where the pattern has fixed nodes and antinodes.
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