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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 …

  2. 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 …

  3. 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.

  4. 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 …

  5. 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 …

  6. 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 …

  7. 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 …

  8. What is diffraction in physics? - California Learning Resource …

    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 …

  9. Diffraction - Math is Fun

    Diffraction is when waves bend around the corner of an obstacle. ... It is most easily seen when a wave spreads out after passing through a gap.

  10. 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 …