Question

The phase difference between any two particles in a given wavefront is …..

Hint:

A wavefront is a surface of constant phase, meaning all points on the wavefront have zero phase difference (\( \Delta \phi = 0 \)).

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding Wavefronts 
A wavefront is defined as the locus of all points in a medium that vibrate in the same phase. It represents the points where the wave has the same displacement and motion characteristics. 
Step 2: Phase Difference in a Wavefront 
- The phase difference between two points in a wave is given by: \[ \Delta \phi = \frac{2\pi}{\lambda} \Delta x \] where:
- \( \Delta \phi \) is the phase difference,
- \( \lambda \) is the wavelength,
- \( \Delta x \) is the distance between the two points along the wave propagation. - However, in a given wavefront, all particles oscillate in phase, meaning: \[ \Delta \phi = 0 \] 
Step 3: Conclusion 
Since all points on a wavefront oscillate together, the phase difference between any two particles on the same wavefront is zero.