Differentiate between a wavefront and a ray

• Represents points in space that are in phase with each other.

• Perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

• Locus of points with the same phase of oscillation.

• Can be planar, spherical, cylindrical, or irregular.

• Describes phenomena like refraction, diffraction, and interference.

Ray:

• Represents the direction of energy transfer in wave propagation.

• Perpendicular to the wavefront at each point.

• Indicates the direction in which the wave is traveling.

• Does not have thickness or width; it’s a geometric construct.

• Used for analyzing reflection, refraction, and image formation.

Understanding both wavefronts and rays is crucial for comprehending the behavior of waves, especially in optical systems.