Question

Light waves travel in vacuum along the y-axis. Which of the following may represent the wavefront?

• A. x$=$constant
• B. y$=$constant
• C. z$=$constant
• D. x+y+z$=$constant

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

y$=$constant

SYNOPSIS WAVE FRONT:

A continuous locus of all the points which are ; in the same phase or state of vibration, is called wavefront. A Point source of light produces a spherical wavefront. A linear source of light produces a cylindrical wave.

If the wave is traveling in vacuum along the y-axis, the wavefront can be a surface perpendicular to the direction of the wave i.e. x-z plane which is $y=constant$.