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  1. Diffraction - Wikipedia

    Diffraction is the deviation of waves from straight-line propagation without any change in their energy due to an obstacle or through an aperture. The diffracting object or aperture effectively becomes a …

  2. Diffraction | Definition, Examples, Types, & Facts | Britannica

    Diffraction, the spreading of waves around obstacles. Diffraction takes place with sound; with electromagnetic radiation, such as light, X-rays, and gamma rays; and with very small moving …

  3. Diffraction: Definition, Physics, Equation, and Formula

    Nov 17, 2022 · Diffraction is the bending or spreading of light waves around an obstacle. The obstacle can be an aperture or slit whose size is approximately the same as the wavelength of light.

  4. 17.1 Understanding Diffraction and Interference - OpenStax

    The bending of a wave around the edges of an opening or an obstacle is called diffraction. Diffraction is a wave characteristic that occurs for all types of waves. If diffraction is observed for a phenomenon, it …

  5. What Is Diffraction? The Physics of Spreading Waves

    May 27, 2025 · Diffraction is the phenomenon where waves bend, spread, or interfere when they encounter an obstacle or pass through a narrow opening. The effect is subtle yet profound.

  6. What is diffraction in physics? - California Learning ...

    Jul 2, 2025 · Fraunhofer diffraction is commonly observed in applications involving lenses and telescopes, where focusing elements effectively bring the observation point to infinity. The diffraction …

  7. 26.2: Diffraction - Physics LibreTexts

    As we explained in the previous paragraph, diffraction is defined as the bending of a wave around the edges of an opening or an obstacle. The double-slit experiment, also called Young’s experiment, …