The Plane Wave

Below you can see a plane wave. It extends to infinity in both directions along the y axis. We have merely 'cropped' the wave so that we may show a section of it.

The wavefront is perpendicular to the direction of propagation and moves in this direction.

In this example, the wavefront is parallel to the y axis and propagating along the z axis as time passes.

Try this question - think before you click an answer.


Page Last Revised : 15th March 1997
©1997 Mike Link
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