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Waves

Diffraction - General.

Any type of wave can be diffracted.
A diffracted wave will "spread out".
Diffraction occurs when the wavelength of a wave
is of a similar size to an obstacle or a gap in a barrier.

After diffraction,
a wave will have the same speed, frequency and wavelength.

A sound wave with a frequency of 500 Hz
has a wavelength of 0·66 m (see calculations).
This sound wave will diffract (spread out)
when it passes through a doorway (approximately 0·8 m).

Electromagnetic waves have a huge range of wavelengths.
Radio waves can diffract around hills, mountains or even the whole planet.
Light waves can diffract through tiny slits.
X-rays can diffract around atoms.

Water waves can diffract when passing through a gap in a harbour wall.

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Copyright © 2007 Dr. Colin France. All Rights Reserved.