Wavefront and wave - are they same?

In summary, the terms "wavefront" and "wave" can be used interchangeably in ordinary English, but in math and physics, they have slightly different meanings. A wavefront is a continuous crest of a wave in space, while a wave refers to the entire wave. In other words, a wavefront is a part of a wave.
  • #1
logearav
338
0
wavefront and wave -- are they same?

Homework Statement



Revered members,


Are the terms wavefront and wave are similar?
For example, in my attachment AC is incident wavefront. Perpendicular lines drawn from A and C, are incident waves. So those blue lines are mentioned as incident waves. May i get help from this forum to know the difference between wavefront and wave

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


 

Attachments

  • reflection.gif
    reflection.gif
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  • #2


The picture shows an incident wave (going in) and a scattered wave (coming out). Each of these waves has (infinitely) many wavefronts. A harmonic wave (sines and cosines) is determined by its phase. The wavefront of a harmonic consists of all the connected points in space at a given time where the harmonic wave has the same phase. Wavefronts that are separated in space by a wavelength, have the same phase.

Does this answer your question or did I manage to confuse you even more?
 
  • #3


Thanks for the reply. But i don't understand anything. Sorry sir
 
  • #4


logearav said:
Thanks for the reply. But i don't understand anything. Sorry sir

At the beach, waves approach the shore at approximately 90 degrees. The wave-fronts are parallel to the beach.
One could argue that a surfer rides a wave front, not a wave.
 
  • #5
in maths and physics, a wave covers the whole of space (or the whole river, or whatever)

but in ordinary English, a wave is just one continuous crest of the whole thing …

so a wave (eg on the sea) in ordinary English is the same as a wavefront in maths and physics :wink:
 

1. What is the difference between a wavefront and a wave?

A wavefront is a line or surface of constant phase in a wave, while a wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium. In other words, a wavefront is a visual representation of a wave, showing the points of the wave that are in the same phase at a given time.

2. Are wavefronts and waves the same thing?

No, wavefronts and waves are not the same thing. As mentioned, a wavefront is a visual representation of a wave, while a wave is the actual disturbance that travels through a medium.

3. How are wavefronts and waves related?

Wavefronts and waves are related in that wavefronts show the direction and speed of the wave as it travels through a medium. They also help to visualize the properties of a wave, such as wavelength and amplitude.

4. Can waves exist without wavefronts?

Yes, waves can exist without wavefronts. Wavefronts are simply a tool used to visualize and understand the properties and behavior of a wave, but they are not necessary for a wave to exist or propagate through a medium.

5. How are wavefronts and wavefronts different from each other?

Wavefronts and wavefronts are not different from each other. It is likely that this question is referring to "wavefronts" and "waves", in which case, as mentioned in the first question, wavefronts are a visual representation of a wave and not a separate entity from the wave itself.

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