What is the distinction between a "ray" and a "wave" in optics?

Diffraction occurs when the wavelength and dimension of aperture or slit through which it is passing becomes comparable. When the dimension of the respective system is much larger than the wave length we can neglect the wave properties and consider it to be a ray.Depending on this two different cases we use the terms "geometrical optics" or "physical optics"."geometrical optics" is where light can be considered to be a ray and it is geometric because the path that it follows can be obtained by using geometric diagram.Where as "physical optics" is where the diffraction and interference becomes important and to describe these phenomenon wave nature of light must be considered.

Explained: "What is the distinction between a "ray" and..."

High School
Physics
Light and Optics
Diffraction of light

Taliyah Reyes

Answered question

2022-08-12

What is the distinction between a "ray" and a "wave" in optics?

Answer & Explanation

Jake Landry

Beginner2022-08-13Added 22 answers

Diffraction occurs when the wavelength and dimension of aperture or slit through which it is passing becomes comparable. When the dimension of the respective system is much larger than the wave length we can neglect the wave properties and consider it to be a ray.Depending on this two different cases we use the terms "geometrical optics" or "physical optics".
"geometrical optics" is where light can be considered to be a ray and it is geometric because the path that it follows can be obtained by using geometric diagram.Where as "physical optics" is where the diffraction and interference becomes important and to describe these phenomenon wave nature of light must be considered.

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

New Questions in Light and Optics

Didn't find what you were looking for?