Shape of Wavefronts

The shape of the wavefront refers to the locus position through which a wave travels from one point to another. It does not propagate in the backward direction in its reflection. The wavefront also depends on the shape of the source of the disturbance. It is also defined as the surface in the path of wave motion. There are usually three types of wavefront including the cylindrical wavefront, spherical wavefront and plane wavefront. Whenever a point is in the isotropic medium, it sends out the waves in three dimensions and these wavefronts are called the spherical wavefront. Cylindrical wavefront refers to the linear lights and the plane wavefront originates from the distance sources.

The Differences between the Reflection and Refraction

The shape of the wavefront includes the ideas and the concepts of reflection and refraction. Reflection includes the changes of waves in the different directions and bounces off the barriers. On the other hand, refraction refers to the changes of the waves from one medium to another. Reflection can be defined as the change in direction of light when it strikes the interface of two mediums. Refraction can be defined as the process of the shifting of light. The refraction and reflection are completely related to the shape of the wavefront. The cylindrical shape of the wavefront plays a vital role in the reflection process. There are unique differences between reflection and refraction. It has also been noted that reflection usually occurs in the mirror and refraction occurs in the lens. Reflection can be defined as the reflection of light when it passes through a particular medium. 

The Affinity between the Formation of the Wavefront and the Refraction

There are a lot of similarities that are observed between the shape of the wavefront and the refraction. The phase differences between the two points of the wavefront are always zero. It also depends on the angular values of the mirrors and the lens. Moreover, rays of light are also related to the wavefront. A ray is defined as the line extending outwards from the source. The key concepts and the ideas of the shape of the wavefront and the refraction are completely based on the theories of Snell. The wavefront also represents an imaginary surface corresponding to points of waves vibrating in unison. It also refers to the set of all locations in a medium where the wave is at the same phase. It is also useful for showing how the waves move in the two dimensions. The spherical wavefront also includes electromagnetic waves in a vacuum form.

Differences between the Shape of Wavefront and Plane

The differences between the shape of the wavefront and plane lie in their wave disturbances propagated in a single direction. The shape of the wavefront includes plane, cylindrical and spherical. The light wave is a perfect example of a spherical wave. However, during the propagation of the light waves, the spherical wavefront spreads out in all directions. The major differences between the wavefront and plane lie in their forms. The plane wave always takes the shape of a sphere. On the other hand, the wavefront can also be spherical, plane and cylindrical. The wavefront can also move in different directions. The plane wave can also originate from a distant source. The wavefront is based on the set of locus positions.

Conclusion

From the above discussions, it can be concluded that reflection plays a vital role in the shape of the wavefront. It helps the wave to travel from one place to another place.  Refraction can also be considered as the shifting of the lights through the medium. The angle of incidence is completely equal to the angle of reflection. The angle of incidence is not equal to the angle of refraction. The plane wave always travels in a single direction. The ideas and theories of Snell have also helped the physicists to develop the key concepts of reflection and refraction.