Diffraction in Physics
Diffraction in Physics
Diffraction is a fundamental phenomenon in physics that occurs when a wave encounters an
obstacle, aperture, or edge,
causing the wave to bend, spread, and interfere. It is a key property of wave behavior and is
observed with all wave
types, such as sound waves, water waves, and electromagnetic waves, including light and X-rays.
Definition of Diffraction
Diffraction is the bending and spreading of waves when they pass near an obstacle or through a slit
that is comparable
in size to the wavelength of the wave. Mathematically, it is a deviation from the straight-line
propagation predicted
by geometric optics. Diffraction provides strong evidence that light and other forms of energy exhibit
wave-like properties.
Conditions for Diffraction
1. The size of the aperture or obstacle must be comparable to the wavelength of the wave.
2. The effect is more pronounced when:
- The wavelength is large relative to the size of the aperture or obstacle.
- The aperture or obstacle is small relative to the wavelength.
Types of Diffraction
1. Fresnel Diffraction:
Diffraction in Physics
Diffraction is a fundamental phenomenon in physics that occurs when a wave encounters an
obstacle, aperture, or edge,
causing the wave to bend, spread, and interfere. It is a key property of wave behavior and is
observed with all wave
types, such as sound waves, water waves, and electromagnetic waves, including light and X-rays.
Definition of Diffraction
Diffraction is the bending and spreading of waves when they pass near an obstacle or through a slit
that is comparable
in size to the wavelength of the wave. Mathematically, it is a deviation from the straight-line
propagation predicted
by geometric optics. Diffraction provides strong evidence that light and other forms of energy exhibit
wave-like properties.
Conditions for Diffraction
1. The size of the aperture or obstacle must be comparable to the wavelength of the wave.
2. The effect is more pronounced when:
- The wavelength is large relative to the size of the aperture or obstacle.
- The aperture or obstacle is small relative to the wavelength.
Types of Diffraction
1. Fresnel Diffraction:
