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  1. Diffraction - Wikipedia

    Diffraction is the deviation of waves from straight-line propagation due to an obstacle or through an aperture, without any change in their energy.

  2. 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 …

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

    Mar 7, 2026 · 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 …

  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. DIFFRACTION Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

    Kids Definition diffraction noun dif· frac· tion dif-ˈrak-shən : the bending or spreading of a beam of light especially when passing through a narrow opening or by the edge of an object also : similar changes …

  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 dimmer maxima to …

  7. 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 …

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Physics Tutorial: Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction

    The amount of diffraction (the sharpness of the bending) increases with increasing wavelength and decreases with decreasing wavelength. In fact, when the wavelength of the waves is smaller than the …