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#wavefront

2 public questions tagged with this topic.

Why does the reflected wavefront from a plane surface maintain the same angle as the incident wavefront?

The wave model shows that secondary wavelets from the surface form a reflected wavefront where the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection due to geometric symmetry.

Ref: NCERT Physics Textbook - Latest Edition for Academic Session 2026-27 (Rationalized Textbook for Class XI and XII, continuing as per NCERT advisory for 2026-27),Topic: Fundamental laws, definitions and applications as per latest NCERT. The section explains governing laws, formulas like μ₀ = 4π.

What is the shape of the wavefront reflected by a plane mirror when a spherical wave is incident on it?

A spherical wavefront incident on a plane mirror reflects as a spherical wavefront, diverging from the mirror’s virtual focus. This follows from NCERT principle where the relation explains the outcome clearly for students in simple steps.

Ref: NCERT Physics Textbook for Class XI and XII, Chapter: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments and Wave Optics, Topic: Refraction, lenses and interference/diffraction.