Huygens Principle Homework: Analyze the Green Part

[Niles]

Homework Statement

Hi all.

Please take a look at the uploaded picture.

Can you guys tell me what happens to the green part that I've marked? Do they go to amplitude = 0 because of destructive interference or what?

 

[apunisheriii]

don hv graphical representation of the intensity distribution along the diffraction pattern??

 

[baba89]

Hello,

Huygens' principle states that every point on a wavefront can be considered as a source of secondary spherical wavelets. These secondary wavelets combine to create the overall wavefront.

In the picture you have provided, the green part that you have marked represents a point on the wavefront. According to Huygens' principle, this point will act as a source of secondary wavelets, which will interfere with each other to create the overall wavefront.

In the case of destructive interference, the secondary wavelets will combine in such a way that they cancel each other out, resulting in an amplitude of 0. This can be seen in the green part of the wavefront in the picture, where the secondary wavelets are overlapping and creating areas of destructive interference.

However, it is important to note that the overall wavefront is still present and continues to propagate, even though certain points may experience destructive interference. This is because the secondary wavelets from other points on the wavefront are still contributing to the overall wave.

I hope this helps to answer your question. Keep exploring Huygens' principle and its applications in wave propagation. Good luck with your homework!