AP Physics 2 / Unit 14: Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics
14.7 Diffraction
Notes
Diffraction is waves spreading around obstacles or through openings. It's most noticeable when the opening is about the size of the wavelength.
Practice
You can hear around a corner but not see around it because:
Diffraction depends on size vs wavelength.
Diffraction is greatest when the opening is:
Comparable sizes.
Diffraction shows that light behaves like a:
Spreading is a wave property.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 14 test.