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What do you understand by diffraction?

Updated: 5/27/2024
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13y ago

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When a wave goes past an obstacle it is slightly bent into the area that should be in shade (the classically forbidden zone), this is also seen at a slit, when the light is spread out. This effect is appriciable when the object is approximately the same sive as the wavelength.

This can only be explained using Quantum Electrodynamics. If a screen is placed behind a slit the light makes a larger band than would be expected this is because each photon of light as to be considered to have taken every possible path from the source to the screen. Each path as a probability amplitude associated with it. The probabilities are added in a strang way the lenghth of the probability shown as an arrow are spun at the same rate as the waves frequence these are added by measuring the length from one arrow head to the other if both tails are rotating around the same centre. If both arrows where pointing in the same direction then the probability would be zero, if both arrows where pointing in opposite directions then the probability is squared. Without going into to much detail, the smallness of the slit stops some of the probability amplitude being cancelled out in the forbidden zone.

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12y ago
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2mo ago

Diffraction is the bending of waves, such as light or sound, around obstacles or through openings in a barrier. It causes the waves to spread out and create interference patterns. Diffraction is commonly observed when light passes through a small slit or when sound waves bend around a corner.

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12y ago

The difference in the speed of light between media of different densities causes light to bend toward the normal when going from a less dense medium to a more dense medium and away from the normal when going from a more dense medium to a less dense medium.

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14y ago

if there is a small object in the path of the light , light has the tendency to bend around the object and go towards the observer.thyis phenomenon is called diffraction. this u can oberve in a dark room with a small bulb and opposite to it a comparitevely ' slightly big opaque object , see from the opposite side of the cardboard u can see the rays but as u have learn't that light travels at a straight line so it can't be possible but light overcomes this problem as it has dual nature namly wave and straight line. this wave motion of light is calledDIFFRACTION

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15y ago

Because the sound waves have to fit through a smaller gap, it has to compress and bend in order to go through it. So it gets bent

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9y ago

A diffraction pattern is a type of interference. It is formed when a wave or a series of waves passes through an obstacle.

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13y ago

Diffraction is the bending of waves around corners of an obstacle.

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11y ago

It goes through or around an object

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11y ago

light is diffracted what else

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Q: What do you understand by diffraction?
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Related questions

What is the difference between x-ray diffraction and electron diffraction?

Although many people would not fully understand this electron diffraction gives you only one plane. X-Ray diffraction will give you a scattering of all the planes in one measurement.


What is the bending of waves around the edge of a barrier called?

Diffraction. It occurs when waves encounter an obstacle or aperture and bend around it, spreading out into the region behind the barrier.


What is diffraction and how does the amount of diffraction depend on wave length?

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles and the spreading of waves as they pass through apertures. The amount of diffraction depends on the wavelength of the wave: shorter wavelengths produce less diffraction, while longer wavelengths produce more pronounced diffraction effects.


How many classes of diffraction?

fresnel diffraction and fraunhoffer diffractions


What is another term for fraunhofer diffraction?

Another term for Fraunhofer diffraction is far-field diffraction. This type of diffraction occurs when the distance between the diffracting object and the screen observing the diffraction pattern is much greater than the dimensions of the diffracting object.


How does diffraction work for kids?

Diffraction is when light waves bend around obstacles or pass through small openings, creating patterns of light and dark spots. It happens because light waves spread out as they travel, leading to interference patterns. Kids can understand diffraction by shining a laser pointer through a small slit or around edges to see how the light bends and creates patterns on a wall or surface.


Can you make a sentence with the word diffraction?

i couldn't make a sentence with diffraction! :)


The bending of a wave around a barrier is called?

It is called diffraction.


Bending a wave around a barrier is called?

It is called diffraction.


What is the basic principle of x- ray diffraction?

The idea is that, due to the small wavelength of X-rays, atoms can serve as a diffraction grid - causing diffraction patterns. (If you don't know about diffraction, I suggest you search in the questions for "diffraction", or ask a separate question for diffraction.) Crystals are good for this, because of their regular structure.


Which term describes the bending of a wave around an object?

Diffraction is the term that describes the bending of a wave around an object. This phenomenon occurs when a wave encounters an obstacle or aperture and spreads out after passing through it.


What should be approximate size of slit to observe diffraction?

The width of the slit should be on the order of the wavelength of the light being used for diffraction in order to observe the diffraction pattern clearly. This is known as the single-slit diffraction condition. The size of the slit also affects the angular spread of the diffraction pattern.