DIFFRACTION

DIFFRACTION

1. Occurs when a wave encounters an obstacle with an aperture

2. Is the bending of a wave around the corners of an aperture

3. Is a wave phenomena

4. While diffraction occurs whenever propagating waves encounter such changes, its effects are generally most pronounced for waves whose wavelength is roughly comparable to the dimensions of the diffracting object or slit.

5. If the aperture is wide the diffraction will be small and viceversa

6. The wave diffracts losses energy as it travels

   • Example: when you speak with your hand in front of your face the voice will sound slower than without the hand