Tag: wave propagation (huygens' construction)

Polarization is a property unique to transverse waves (wave nature), while the photoelectric effect demonstrates the particle nature of light.

Polarization is a phenomenon that only occurs with transverse waves, as it requires the oscillation to be perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

Since the refractive index increases with height, the upper part of the light beam travels slower than the lower part near the ground. According to Huygens' principle, this differential speed causes the wavefronts to tilt such that the beam bends upward.

On reflection from denser medium, phase reversal occurs i.e. phase change $=\pi$ takes place, because glass is much denser than water.

On reflection from a plane surface velocity and amplitude of the incident ray changes whereas wavelength and frequency does not change.

The above statement is true.

Newton has given the theory that light is made of tiny particles. In 1678, Dutch physicist, Christiaan Huygens, believed that light was made up of waves vibrating up and down perpendicular to the direction of light, and therefore formulated a way of visualizing wave propagation. This known as 'Huygens' Principle'. 

Huygens believed that light was made up of waves vibrating up and down perpendicular to the direction of  the light travels. This is known as 'Huygens' Principle'.  According to this theory, light waves are spherical, and these wave surfaces advance or spread out as they travel at the speed of light. This theory explains why light shining through a pin hole or slit will spread out rather than going in a straight line.

In interference patterns from two point sources, the locus of points with a constant path difference (and thus constant phase difference) is a hyperbola.