
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 …
Diffraction | Definition, Examples, Types, & Facts | Britannica
Oct 17, 2025 · 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 …
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. The …
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.
Diffraction of light - GeeksforGeeks
Jul 23, 2025 · Diffraction describes a specialized case of light scattering in which an object with regularly repeating features (such as a diffraction grating) produces an orderly diffraction of light in a diffraction …
4: Diffraction - Physics LibreTexts
Diffraction can send a wave around the edges of an opening or other obstacle. A single slit produces an interference pattern characterized by a broad central maximum with narrower and dimmer maxima to …
What is diffraction in physics? - California Learning Resource Network
Jul 2, 2025 · Diffraction refers to the deviation of waves from rectilinear (straight-line) propagation when encountering an obstacle or aperture. It’s not simply reflection or refraction; it’s a fundamental …
17.1 Understanding Diffraction and Interference - OpenStax
This free textbook is an OpenStax resource written to increase student access to high-quality, peer-reviewed learning materials.
Diffraction Explained | Wave, Interference & Patterns
May 28, 2024 · Diffraction is a fundamental concept in the study of waves and optics that describes how waves bend around obstacles and spread out as they pass through narrow openings. It is a …
Diffraction - HyperPhysics
Diffraction manifests itself in the apparent bending of waves around small obstacles and the spreading out of waves past small openings. Diffraction reveals the geometry of the diffracting object.