DIFFRACTION OF WAVES
Any wave of any kind will
change direction when it encounters an obstacle. This bending is
called “diffraction,” and is most noticeable for longer
wavelengths. When the wavelength of a wave is comparable to or
smaller than the size of an obstacle or aperture, diffraction is
sometimes difficult to detect. When the wavelength of a wave is
large compared to the size of an obstacle or aperture,
diffraction is so extreme that it may not be evident that an
obstacle even existed.
The most simple example of
diffraction to analyze to begin with is Thomas Young's Double
Slit.
Here we see diffraction,
plus superposition, resulting in both constructive
and destructive interference.
GRATING
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