Basic Optics Question. (wave front)

  • Thread starter bumclouds
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Optics
In summary, the equation E=Emax.sin(ωt-kx) represents the electric field of a monochromatic plane wave traveling in the x-direction. A plane perpendicular to the x-direction and moving along the x-axis at the same speed as the wave is considered a wave front, where the phase of the wave is always the same. This can be verified by setting the phase at two different points on the wave front, x1 and x2, equal to each other and solving for t1 and t2 using the wave's velocity, ω/k.
  • #1
bumclouds
25
0

Homework Statement


E=Emax.sin(ωt-kx) describes the electric field of a monochromatic plane wave traveling in the x-direction. Verify that a plane which is perpendicular to the x-diretion and moves along the x-axis at the same speed as the wave is a wave front.

Homework Equations


E=Emax.sin(ωt-kx)

The Attempt at a Solution


A "wave front" is a surface where the phase is always the same.

-----|-------------------|----------> x-axis
___x1,t1______________x2,t2______

At x1, t2 and x2, t2 must have the same phase which is in the brackets of sin() in "relevant equations".

so...
ωt1-kx1 = ωt1-kx2

and I'm guessing since the speed is the same at both points x1/t1 is equal to x2/t2 and we substitute those in or something?? I don't know I've thought about this a lot and I'm very stuck!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Here's a hint : the velocity of the wave described is [tex]\frac{\omega}{k}[/tex]
 

What is a wave front in optics?

A wave front is an imaginary surface that connects all the points in a wave that are in the same phase. It represents the crest or trough of a wave and can be used to describe the propagation of light or other electromagnetic waves.

What is the difference between a plane wave front and a spherical wave front?

A plane wave front is a flat, uniform wave front that travels in a single direction, while a spherical wave front is curved and expands outward in all directions from a point source. Plane wave fronts are commonly used in geometric optics, while spherical wave fronts are used in wave optics.

How does the shape of a lens affect the wave front of light passing through it?

The shape of a lens can cause the wave front of light passing through it to become curved or distorted. Convex lenses, which are thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges, cause the wave front to converge, while concave lenses, which are thinner in the middle and thicker at the edges, cause the wave front to diverge.

What is the principle of least time in optics?

The principle of least time, also known as Fermat's principle, states that light will always travel between two points in the least amount of time possible. This principle is used to explain the laws of reflection and refraction, as light will always take the path that minimizes the time it takes to travel between two points.

How does the wavelength of light affect the wave front?

The wavelength of light does not directly affect the shape of a wave front, but it can impact how the wave front interacts with different materials or objects. For example, light with a shorter wavelength, such as blue light, will experience more diffraction and bending when passing through a narrow opening compared to light with a longer wavelength, such as red light.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
544
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
929
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
895
Back
Top