Light/radio waves radiate in all direction

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of how light is able to be focused in one direction. It is explained that after the light is reflected in reflectors or dishes, it is in open space and radiates in all directions. This same principle is used in radar and VOR, where the signal is directed towards the aircraft. Diffusion and specular reflection are also mentioned as ways to focus a wave, with the former scattering light in all directions and the latter reflecting light at an equal angle. The concept of a flashlight and how its light reaches our eyes is also briefly discussed.
  • #1
rajeshmarndi
319
0
how a light is able to focused in one direction?
after the light gets reflected in the reflectors or dishes it is out in the open space and then it should be radiating in all direction

same is in the case of working principle of radar and rotating signal from VOR(vhf omni-directional radio range) in which the aircraft receive the rotating signal only when it is directed towards it.

thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
All waves follow the laws of reflection.A single wave does not split up(I'm not sure about this reading an argument in QM)
What you might be interested in here is diffusion of waves by absobers and transmitters(for eg, sound transferred to the handle of a tuning fork propogates in all directions perpendicular to the length of the vibrator)
 
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  • #3
yes and thxx.
what is it that split, if u could explain further.
 
  • #4
Diffusion is the scattering of incident light into all directions. Specular reflection is when the incident light is reflected at an angle equal to the angle of incidence. That is, a straight ray strikes a surface and a straight ray is reflected back. Any time we wish to focus a wave we simply use a scatterer that will have specular reflections.
 
  • #5
also if u can explain how the light from a flashlight focused in a different direction reaches our eyes
 
  • #6
Born2bwire: doesn't a ray radiate in all direction as after all its a wave
 

1. What is meant by "light/radio waves radiate in all directions"?

When we say that light or radio waves radiate in all directions, it means that they spread out in all directions from their source. This is known as spherical propagation, where the waves spread out in a spherical shape.

2. How does light/radio waves traveling in all directions affect communication?

This type of propagation allows for omnidirectional communication, meaning that the waves can be received from any direction. This is useful for communication systems, such as radio or cell phone towers, as it allows for a wider coverage area.

3. What is the speed of light/radio waves traveling in all directions?

The speed of light and radio waves traveling in all directions is constant at approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum. This is known as the speed of light and is a fundamental constant in physics.

4. How do light/radio waves travel in all directions if they have no mass?

According to the theory of relativity, massless particles like light and radio waves still have energy and momentum. Therefore, they can travel through space and spread out in all directions from their source.

5. What are some examples of light/radio waves radiating in all directions?

Some examples of light waves that radiate in all directions are sunlight, which spreads out from the sun, and incandescent light bulbs, which emit light in all directions. For radio waves, examples include broadcast towers and Wi-Fi routers, which emit waves in all directions for communication purposes.

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