Direction of secondary wavefronts from the point sources

In summary, the direction of secondary wavefronts from point sources is perpendicular to the wavefronts themselves, creating a spherical pattern around the point source. All point sources emit secondary wavefronts, and the direction of these wavefronts can change if the medium through which they travel changes. The direction of secondary wavefronts can be measured using techniques such as interferometry or diffraction patterns.
  • #1
shivam01anand
37
0

Homework Statement



My question is simple.

Homework Equations



Why do we not take the direction of secondary wavefronts from the point sources to be going backwards to the original direction of the wave as a whole?

The Attempt at a Solution



Thanks to you! :D
 
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  • #2
You can do that, but then you have to do it at every point in space, and as a result those contributions usually* cancel each other.

*you did not give the setup, so it is hard to tell
 

1. What is the direction of secondary wavefronts from point sources?

The direction of secondary wavefronts from point sources is perpendicular to the wavefronts themselves. This means that the secondary wavefronts will spread out in all directions away from the point source.

2. How do point sources affect the direction of secondary wavefronts?

Point sources affect the direction of secondary wavefronts by emitting waves in all directions at the same time. This creates a spherical pattern of wavefronts around the point source, with the direction of the wavefronts perpendicular to the surface of the sphere.

3. Do all point sources emit secondary wavefronts?

Yes, all point sources emit secondary wavefronts. This is because point sources are defined as single points in space that emit waves in all directions.

4. Can the direction of secondary wavefronts change?

Yes, the direction of secondary wavefronts can change if the medium through which the wave is traveling changes. For example, if the wave enters a different density medium, the direction of the wavefronts may bend or change direction.

5. How do we measure the direction of secondary wavefronts from point sources?

The direction of secondary wavefronts from point sources can be measured using a variety of techniques such as interferometry or diffraction patterns. These techniques involve measuring the changes in the wavefronts as they travel through a medium and using mathematical calculations to determine their direction.

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