JEE Advanced · PhysicsEasy
Which of the following phenomena is used to explain the rectilinear propagation of light in the wave theory of light?
- A.Interference
- B.Diffraction
- C.Polarization
- D.Huygens principle
Show correct answer & step-by-step solution
Correct answer: D — Huygens principle
Solution
- Huygens' principle states that every point on a wavefront acts as a source of secondary spherical wavelets.
- As these secondary wavelets propagate forward, their common tangent surface forms the new wavefront.
- In a homogeneous medium, this process ensures that light energy travels in straight lines perpendicular to the wavefronts.
- This geometric construction successfully accounts for the rectilinear propagation of light.
- Hence the answer is (D).
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