A wavefront in optics is best described as:
AThe leading edge of a beam of light
BThe locus of all points that oscillate in phase with each other (a surface of constant phase)
CThe direction perpendicular to a ray
DThe path of a single photon
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. The locus of all points that oscillate in phase with each other (a surface of constant phase)
**Wavefront = surface of constant phase**. All points on a wavefront oscillate in phase. Energy propagation is **perpendicular to the wavefront**. Spherical wavefront from a point source; **plane wavefront** at large distance (e.g., starlight on Earth) or from a parallel beam.
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