How would one draw reflected wavefronts?

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  • Thread starter Physical_Fire
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In summary, the conversation is about how to draw reflected wavefronts using a protractor, pencil, and ruler. The speaker is unsure about the concept and has attached an image for reference. They are instructed to draw the mirror image of the attached image and then reflect it using the same method as shown in another figure. The conversation ends with the speakers being reminded of their basic understanding of reflection and wavefronts and the thread being closed.
  • #1
Physical_Fire
18
1
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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  • #2
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
 
  • #3
Can you draw the reflected ray? If so, the reflected wavefronts would be perpendicular to the reflected ray.
 
  • #4
If I use that logic, it doesn't work here:
 

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  • #5
.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.
 
  • #6
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.
 
  • #7
Then, how do you reflect this one?
 

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  • #8
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?
 
  • #9
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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