Diffraction occurs under which condition?

Diffraction occurs under which condition?

• A. Refraction
• B. Scattering
• C. Diffraction
• D. Specular reflection

Answer: (C)

Diffraction happens when waves meet obstacles or openings whose size is similar to the wavelength of the wave. In that situation, edges and small slits act like new sources of waves, causing the wave to bend and spread out because the different parts of the wavefront interfere with each other after passing the edge or through the opening. This spreading is most noticeable when the opening or obstacle is on the order of the wavelength, which is why light diffracts more noticeably through very narrow slits, and why sound can bend around corners. Refraction requires a change in medium, altering the wave’s speed. Scattering is deflection by irregularities or particles. Specular reflection is a clean mirror-like bounce from a smooth surface. Diffraction uniquely describes the bending and spreading due to edges and apertures.

Diffraction happens when waves meet obstacles or openings whose size is similar to the wavelength of the wave. In that situation, edges and small slits act like new sources of waves, causing the wave to bend and spread out because the different parts of the wavefront interfere with each other after passing the edge or through the opening. This spreading is most noticeable when the opening or obstacle is on the order of the wavelength, which is why light diffracts more noticeably through very narrow slits, and why sound can bend around corners.

Refraction requires a change in medium, altering the wave’s speed. Scattering is deflection by irregularities or particles. Specular reflection is a clean mirror-like bounce from a smooth surface. Diffraction uniquely describes the bending and spreading due to edges and apertures.