DIFFRACTION

Diffraction is the spreading of a wave as it passes through a gap or around the edges of a boundary.

The diffraction pattern obtained is dependents on the wavelength λ of the incident wave fronts and the

width of the gap “a”.

If λ< a , the diffracted pattern is a

series of staigth lines with slight
bending at the edges. The
wavelength does not change if the
mediums are the same .

This associated with the diffraction

of light waves

If λ > a , the diffracted pattern is a

series of semi circles. The
wavelength does not change if the
mediums are the same

This is associated with the

diffraction of sound waves

Diffraction at a single slit. The longer the

wavelength the greater the diffaction and

greater the spread of the diffacted waves., as