Wave Reflection Principles

Wave Reflection from a Barrier

• Angle of Reflection: The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
• Reflected Wavefront Origin: A circular reflected wavefront appears to originate from an imaginary point behind the reflector.
• Imaginary Center Location: This imaginary center is located the same distance behind the barrier as the center of the incident wavefront is in front.
• Analogy: Similar to light rays appearing to originate from a "virtual" image behind a plane mirror.