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Light waves do diffract, but the effect is very very small.

In general diffraction effects are important when the object interacting with the wave has dimensions that are comparable to the wavelength of the wave.

Light waves have much shorter wavelength compared to the radio waves. Hence the effect.

(It should also be noted that radio waves penetrate buildings much better than light waves, but that leads to a more nuanced discussion of diffraction effects.)

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Why do radio waves diffract around buildings and light waves do not?

Radio waves have longer wavelengths. Shadows are not light, but rather, the absence of light. The lack of diffraction of light is illustrated by our ability to hear someone talking around the corner of a building, while not being able to see that person.


The type of radio waves that are diffracted the most around small buildings are?

AM Waves diffract more than FM waves.


Which radio signals past through metal metal vhf lf FM or am or phase modulation?

No radio signals pass through metal. But depending on their wavelength, they may diffract more or less efficiently around the edges and be detectable on the other side.


What kind of material can radio waves penetrate that light waves cannot?

Radio waves can penetrate materials such as walls, buildings, and certain types of soil more effectively than light waves. This is due to their longer wavelengths, which allow them to pass through obstacles that scatter or absorb visible light. For example, radio waves can travel through concrete and wood, while light waves are typically reflected or absorbed by these materials.


Why can radio waves refract around buildings while light waves cannot?

that's easy .. you know that radio waves has very wide wave length ( 10^3 meter ) while light _ by which you mean visible light i guess _ has smaller wave lengths which ranges between ( 7000 and 4000 ) Angstrom (the angstrom is 10^-10 meter) also from the conditions diffraction is to pass by narrow slit .. and it depends on the ratio ( wave length of light / width of the object or slit )

Related Questions

Why do radio waves diffract around buildings and light waves do not?

Radio waves have longer wavelengths. Shadows are not light, but rather, the absence of light. The lack of diffraction of light is illustrated by our ability to hear someone talking around the corner of a building, while not being able to see that person.


The type of radio waves that are diffracted the most around small buildings are?

AM Waves diffract more than FM waves.


Why do sound waves travel around corners better then light waves?

This is also the reason AM radio signals travel around buildings and hills better than light waves (or even TV signals). The longer wavelengths diffract around obstacles that the shorter wavelengths cannot, regardless of the type of wave.


What two regions of the spectrum have the greatest abiltiy to diffract?

Radio waves and microwaves have the greatest ability to diffract because of their long wavelengths, which allow them to bend around obstacles and travel long distances without much attenuation.


Why do am radio waves diffract more than FM radio waves?

AM radio waves have longer wavelengths compared to FM radio waves. This means that AM waves are better able to diffract around obstacles and travel farther distances. FM radio waves, with their shorter wavelengths, are less prone to diffraction and tend to travel in straight lines, making them more susceptible to obstacles blocking their path.


AM radio waves are able to traves farther than FM radio waves because?

AM radio waves have longer wavelengths compared to FM radio waves, allowing them to diffract or bend around obstacles such as buildings and hills. This enables AM radio waves to travel greater distances and provide better coverage in areas with obstructions. FM radio waves, on the other hand, travel in straight lines and are more affected by obstacles.


How come light travels in straight lines but radio waves spread out?

Light behaves like a particle and travels in straight lines due to its higher frequency and shorter wavelength. Radio waves, being lower in frequency and longer in wavelength, can diffract and spread out, leading to their ability to cover larger distances and penetrate obstacles like buildings.


Which wavelength is easiest to diffract?

Longer wavelengths, such as radio waves and microwaves, are easier to diffract compared to shorter wavelengths like visible light and X-rays. This is because longer wavelengths have a larger physical size, which makes them interact more with obstacles and openings.


When rf signals move around an object in their paths what is the phenomenon called?

The phenomenon is called diffraction, where RF signals bend and spread out as they encounter obstacles in their path, such as buildings or walls. This can result in signal weakening or distortions in communication systems.


What has the longer wavelengths light waves or radio waves?

Radio, radio is around 10^3 m and visible light is around .5 *10^-6 m.


Which radio signals past through metal metal vhf lf FM or am or phase modulation?

No radio signals pass through metal. But depending on their wavelength, they may diffract more or less efficiently around the edges and be detectable on the other side.


Which waves can best bend around objects and pass through clouds?

Radio waves can best bend around objects and pass through clouds due to their long wavelengths. This property allows them to diffract around obstacles and penetrate through barriers such as clouds with minimal attenuation.