Question

In what respects is Huygens' wave theory of light similar to Maxwell's electromagnetic theory? In what respect are the two theories different?

Answer 1

The two theories are similar in the respect that according to both the theories, light is a wave motion. On the other hand, the two theories are different in the respect that according to electromagnetic theory, light does not require any material medium for its propagation; a material medium is necessary for the propagation of light waves according to the wave theory. For this, Huygens assumed the existence of the all pervading ether medium.