How would one draw reflected wavefronts?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Physical_Fire
  • Start date Start date
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of drawing reflected wavefronts, with participants seeking clarification on the methodology and principles involved. The scope includes conceptual understanding and practical application using basic drawing tools like a protractor, pencil, and ruler.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to draw reflected wavefronts and seeks guidance on the concept.
  • Another participant suggests that reflected wavefronts can be drawn perpendicular to the reflected ray.
  • A different participant questions the understanding of the initial inquiry and suggests looking up images for reference.
  • Some participants propose drawing the mirror image of the wavefronts about a plane perpendicular to the reflecting surface.
  • There is a challenge regarding the application of the proposed logic in specific cases, indicating that the method may not be universally applicable.
  • One participant asks for clarification on the meaning of the graphs presented in the discussion, implying a need for deeper understanding of reflection and wavefronts.
  • Another participant indicates that the questions posed may be fundamentally basic, suggesting a disparity in understanding among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to draw reflected wavefronts, with multiple interpretations and approaches being discussed. Some participants express confusion and seek further clarification, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing assumptions regarding the specific context of the wavefronts being discussed, as well as potential misunderstandings about the initial question. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity in the application of drawing techniques.

Physical_Fire
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How would one draw reflected wavefronts? I do not get this concept. I have attached a question below, and I do not necessarily ask anyone to solve this but teach me on how to provided that I have a protractor, a pencil and a ruler.

Thanks
 

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Physical_Fire said:
How would one draw reflected wavefronts? I do not get this concept. I have attached a question below, and I do not necessarily ask anyone to solve this but teach me on how to provided that I have a protractor, a pencil and a ruler.

Thanks
I wonder if I'm understanding your question correctly.
This is an easy Google image search for "reflected wavefronts".
Here is a result for reflection:
1690638847882.jpeg

Here's refracted:
1024px-Refraction_-_Huygens-Fresnel_principle.svg.png
 
Can you draw the reflected ray? If so, the reflected wavefronts would be perpendicular to the reflected ray.
 
If I use that logic, it doesn't work here:
 

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.Scott said:
I wonder if I'm understanding your question correctly.
I don't think so you did. I meant on how to draw in relation to the image I have attached.
 
Physical_Fire said:
I don't think so you did. I meant on how to draw in relation to the image I have attached.
Draw the mirror image of the attached image about a plane perpendicular to the reflecting surface.
 
Then, how do you reflect this one?
 

Attachments

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Physical_Fire said:
Then, how do you reflect this one?
The same way as shown in the top figure in post #2. What's your problem?
 
Please describe what you think those graphs are showing.
Tell us what you know about reflection and wave fronts.
Your questions appear to be profoundly elemental.
 
  • #10
Time to close this thread as the OP has received some excellent answers and needs some time to ponder them.

Thank you all for contributing here.

Jedi
 

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