Physics · Wave optics: wavefront and Huygens' Principle, laws of reflection and refraction using Huygens principle

Ray optics is valid when characteristic dimension are

Ray optics is valid when characteristic dimension are

  • A. much smaller than wavelength of light.
  • B. of same order as wavelength of light
  • C. much larger than wavelength of light
  • D. none of the above

Step-by-step solution

Ray optics (geometrical optics) is a valid approximation when the characteristic dimensions of objects or apertures are much larger than the wavelength of light. Under this condition, wave effects like diffraction and interference are negligible, and light can be treated as rays traveling in straight lines.
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