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Generally speaking, what is the difference between these two? What I mean by that is: in what kind of different processes are these produced (and used in physics)?
sigma_ said:Why are plane waves said to be infinite in extent? Why can't a wave have one frequency without being infinite in its "domain"?
sigma_ said:Why are plane waves said to be infinite in extent? Why can't a wave have one frequency without being infinite in its "domain"?
Got it. Thankssophiecentaur said:It's a matter of definition. If the wave doesn't extend to infinity, it must be 'modulated' to localise it. If you modulate a continuous sinusoid, you introduce other frequencies (sidebands).
sigma_ said:Got it. Thanks
A plane wave is a type of wave in which the wavefronts are parallel to each other, meaning that the wave travels in a straight line. On the other hand, a wave packet is a combination of multiple plane waves with different wavelengths and directions, resulting in a localized wave with a varying amplitude and frequency.
Plane waves propagate at a constant velocity and do not change their shape or amplitude as they travel. In contrast, wave packets disperse and spread out as they propagate, and their shape and amplitude change over time.
Plane waves can be seen in electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves and light, as well as in sound waves. Wave packets can be observed in phenomena such as ocean waves, earthquakes, and quantum particles.
Plane waves are more commonly encountered in everyday life, as they are the basis for many types of waves that we interact with, such as light and sound. However, wave packets are also present in certain everyday phenomena, such as ocean waves and sound echoes.
Yes, a plane wave can be transformed into a wave packet through a process called wave packet modulation, where multiple plane waves with different frequencies and directions are combined to create a localized and varying wave. Similarly, a wave packet can be transformed into a plane wave through a process called wave packet demodulation, where the different frequencies and directions are separated and the wave packet is "unpacked" into individual plane waves.